COLUMBUS, Ohio — Norfolk Southern Corporation, one of the largest railroad companies in the US, has agreed to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s proposal to create a first responders training center and expand its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program. The company will provide additional, free training for first responders across the region and strengthen coordination between railroads and first responders in the event of an emergency response.
The center’s location will be decided in partnership with community leaders, but until then, training classes will begin on March 22nd at Norfolk Southern’s Moorman Yard in Bellevue, Ohio. Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan H. Shaw stated that “First responders are often immediately on the scene of a rail incident, and we want to ensure they have the knowledge and tools to work safely and effectively to protect the health and safety of their fellow citizens.”
Governor DeWine praised Norfolk Southern’s commitment to making Ohio and East Palestine safer, saying that “often first responders are volunteers, and their need to have the most up-to-date training and equipment is essential.” The new safety training center will focus on providing additional, free training for first responders in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as strengthening coordination between railroads and first responders in the event of an emergency response.
In addition to the new training center, Norfolk Southern is also expanding its OAR program, which connects emergency first responders in Norfolk Southern communities with information and training resources.