NS Safety train prepares first responders in Radford

Jun 08, 2026

Last week, Norfolk Southern’s Safety Train stopped in Radford, Virginia, bringing hands-on rail safety training to first responders from across Southwest Virginia. This is the seventh stop of seventeen across the 22-state network in 2026.

Hosted as part of Norfolk Southern’s Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, the training combined classroom instruction with immersive, real-world scenarios aboard the Safety Train—helping local crews strengthen their preparedness in the unlikely event of a rail-related emergency.

Seven agencies from across the region participated in the training, reinforcing collaboration and coordination among local emergency response partners.

How it works

The Safety Train is a mobile training classroom designed to give first responders direct, up-close experience with rail equipment and operations they don’t typically encounter in their day-to-day roles.

Participants rotated through guided, hands-on exercises aboard specialized railcars while also engaging in classroom discussions on safe response strategies.

The Safety Train (launched in 2015) is a mobile training classroom designed to give firefighters, hazmat teams, and emergency personnel direct, up-close experience with rail equipment they don’t typically encounter — helping them feel more prepared if they are ever called to respond to a rail-related incident. Rail incidents are rare, but when they do occur, familiarity with rail equipment and operations can make a meaningful difference.

In the classroom

During the classroom portion, responders aligned response approaches, reviewed safety protocols, and shared best practices with neighboring agencies—building stronger coordination before an emergency ever occurs.

Hands-on training scenarios included railcar familiarization, hazard identification, and simulated incident response to reinforce what was learned in the classroom.

What we’re saying

“We try and get everybody the knowledge so that wherever they’re from, whatever their background is, they have the same skill set to be able to respond to these emergencies in our communities.” — Travis Lindsey, Norfolk Southern, Manager Hazardous Materials

“The relationship with our community partners, such as Norfolk Southern, make acquiring this specialized training easier to obtain, which really is a win-win for everyone. Response and mitigation are quicker, overall making the community safer, while also helping keep the rail system safe and moving properly.” — Jeff Conner, Pulaski Fire Chief/Fire Marshal

Why it matters
Through the Safety Train, Norfolk Southern continues to invest in relationships with local first responders—ensuring communities across its network are better prepared and more resilient. In 2025, more than 5,800 first responders were trained through our OAR program.

What’s next
The Radford stop is one of several Safety Train visits planned across Norfolk Southern’s network this year as part of its ongoing commitment to community safety and emergency preparedness. The next stop will be Spencer, NC June 13-14 for a demonstration and Alexandria, VA June 23-25 for the class.

By Kasandra Jenkins, Communications Manager

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.