Program needs volunteers to promote railroad safety
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
An organization whose purpose is to promote safety along northern Maine’s railroad tracks is looking for volunteers to help spread the message.
“With the arrival of a new rail line in Aroostook County, our organization — Operation Lifesaver — is looking for volunteers to educate residents of the inherent dangers along railroad right-of-ways and at rail crossings,” said Fred Hirsch, state coordinator of Maine Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit educational organization dedicated to reducing accidental deaths and injuries at crossing and along railroad tracks.
“The Northern Maine Railway may operate at different times on different days with more trains this summer,” said Hirsch. “This makes it even more important to warn the public about using tracks as a shortcut or a trail or even placing objects on the tracks. It’s dangerous and illegal. Trying to beat the train at a crossing has deadly consequences, too.”
Northern Maine Railway, owned by J.D. Irving, took over operation of about 233 miles of track between Millinocket and Madawaska recently, putting many miles of mainline track and branches formerly operated by Montreal, Maine and Atlantic Railway back in use. The trackage serves all major Aroostook County communities, transporting goods to and from a variety of businesses, with a varied schedule, depending on the day of the week and the location.
“In addition to trains, heavy equipment will be working throughout the County as tracks are upgraded with new crossties, rock ballast and rail. Tampering with those machines,” said Hirsch, “can be just as dangerous.”
Maine Operation Lifesaver is seeking volunteers who are interested in making communities safer.
“While some volunteers have ties to Maine railroads, we also have others who are rail fans, in law enforcement and education,” noted Hirsch. “New volunteers spend a day in a training session and after their first presentation, become certified.”
Public speaking is a plus, added Hirsch, but volunteers can also become associates who staff rail safety displays at schools and community events.
For more information about Operation Lifesaver, visit www.maineol.org or the organization’s national website at www.oli.org.
To contact Maine Operation Lifesaver, call 945-6878 or e-mail maineol@roadrunner.com.
