Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train hosts free Chicago first responder training

Sep 16, 2026

Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train stopped in Chicago Sept. 8–10, giving local first responders from the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) free, hands-on experience responding to rail-related emergencies.

Hosted at Union Pacific’s Global I Yard on Chicago’s Near West Side, the three-day program brought railroad experts and emergency personnel together for hands-on training to strengthen public safety and ensure first responders are prepared to respond effectively in the event of a rail emergency.

The Chicago stop was part of Norfolk Southern’s Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, a networkwide initiative launched in 2015 to connect first responders with rail-specific training and resources. In 2025, more than 5,800 first responders participated in OAR training through Safety Train stops, fire house visits, and other learning opportunities.

Hands-on experience

In total, more than 100 CFD personnel participated in the training at UP Global I, taking part in exercises and drills that replicated real-world emergency scenarios.

Relationships that strengthen readiness

Freight rail is the safest way to transport hazardous materials over land, with more than 99.99% of shipments arriving without a release, according to the Association of American Railroads. Because rail incidents can differ from emergencies first responders encounter most often, joint training helps railroad teams and local agencies build a shared understanding of equipment, communications and response priorities before an emergency occurs.

Through OAR, Norfolk Southern continues to invest in practical training, information-sharing and local partnerships that help communities prepare for the unlikely event of a rail emergency. The Chicago training marked the Safety Train’s 12^th stop of 2026. Upcoming stops include Frankfort, Ill., Macon, Ga. and S. Charleston, S.C. More information is available at NorfolkSouthern.com.