Union Pacific
Omaha, Neb.- Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver partnered today to train approximately 100 Houston Independent School District (HISD) police officers on critical rail safety measures — equipping them with the knowledge to prevent rail incidents and respond swiftly and safely in the event an emergency occurs.
Held at HISD's High School for Law and Justice, the Rail Investigation Safety Course is designed to prepare law enforcement officers for the real-world scenarios they may encounter when responding to railroad incidents. The specialized training provided hands-on education about railroad operations, legal considerations, and best practices for emergency response.
"Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we're committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks," said Clint Schelbitzki, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs at Union Pacific. "This training goes beyond just checking a box—giving first responders the tools to prevent tragedies and effectively respond when seconds matter."
Participants learned how to assess railroad environments, interpret rail signage and signals, and navigate emergency response procedures involving trains and tracks. The course also included guidance on investigative protocols, legal considerations, and available resources for law enforcement.
Union Pacific and Texas Operation Lifesaver regularly collaborate with first responders, schools, and community groups to reinforce safe behaviors around railroads. Anyone interested in participating in this training can visit www.oli.org for more information.
Texas Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings and along railroad rights-of-way through public education, enforcement, and engineering initiatives.