Brother Eric Stroik (standing, right) instructs a member of the Rudolph Fire Department seated at the throttle of the BLET Wisconsin State Legislative Board’s educational train simulator.
Members of BLET’s Wisconsin State Legislative Board (WISLB) used a locomotive simulator to help conduct rail safety training last week for 35 firefighters and EMTs in Rudolph, Wisc. The Rudolph Fire Department protects 250 square miles in central Wisconsin, operating out of five fire stations. The meeting was held at Firehouse #1, which has an active mainline railroad track located roughly 100 yards away.
“That proximity provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of communication, preparedness, and safety between railroad employees and the communities and first responders along the rail network,” said Wisconsin State Legislative Board Chairman Chuck Schulz, who conducted the training with assistance from Board Secretary-Treasurer Eric Stroik.
During the training session, Schulz and Stroik used the WISLB’s educational train simulator to help demonstrate the duties and responsibilities of train crews. Chairman Schulz also shared BLET’s concerns with the firefighters about the UP-NS merger, as well as other issues facing the rail industry, including waiver requests and the implementation of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
“We would like to sincerely thank Fire Chief Curt Agen, his officers, and all the members of the Rudolph Fire Department for everything they do to protect and serve their community,” said Chairman Schulz. “It was a fantastic meeting, and we learned a great deal about their operations, concerns, and experiences involving railroad operations, hazardous materials, and blocked crossings. It was especially meaningful to see firsthand how closely railroad operations and emergency response intersect.”
Schulz said the WISLB plans to continue these conversations with other fire departments throughout the Badger State to help strengthen the relationship between railroad employees and our emergency responders.
