Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train completes 10 years of training first responders

By Heather Garcia, Senior Communications Manager

Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train, part of our Operation & Awareness Response program, marked its 10^th year of service in 2025, making 16 stops from March to November. The Operations & Awareness Response program from NS provided training to more than 5,800 first responders throughout the NS network in 2025. The train provides free training to first responders, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to rail-related emergencies through hands-on instruction.

Why it matters

• Strengthens readiness: First responders gain practical skills for rail-specific emergencies.
• Builds trust: The program reinforces partnerships with local agencies in communities we serve.
• Expands knowledge: Trainees learn how rail equipment works and how to access critical information during an incident.
• Improves safety outcomes: Better understanding leads to faster, safer responses when minutes count.

The Safety Train includes a mix of boxcar classrooms and specialized tank cars that support immersive learning. Sessions cover:

• Safety practices around railroad equipment and tracks
• How tank car valves and fittings work
• Strategies and tactics for responding to rail emergencies
• How to access information about the contents of rail cars

What they’re saying

“The classroom is good; you learn a lot of things. But it’s nothing like hands-on training, getting your hands on the equipment, looking at the exact devices,” - Captain David Knowles, Norfolk (VA) Fire-Rescue via WVEC-TV

“This was one of the best rail car trainings that I’ve ever been to. It was real informative on different types of cars, and also, they had mock valves on the tank cars. There was a flat car there that had different tank car tops. It shows you how they work, like inline valves where the product goes and valves on the side, where the relief valves are. It was real informative. We were able to get a better understanding.” - Asst. Chief Steve Sanford, Conneaut (OH) Fire Department via Gazette News

“Norfolk Southern deeply values the relationships we have built with first responders across our network over the last decade. We are proud to work alongside them and are grateful for their partnership in keeping our railroad and communities safe.” - Robert Wood, NS Director Hazardous Materials

Learn more

Explore the OAR program, Safety Train resources, and additional tools for first responder preparedness here.

Heather Garcia serves as Sr. Communications Manager, Media Relations at Norfolk Southern, where she has worked since 2023.