Monday is the first day of Operation Clear Track, and in recognition of safety week, officers will be stationed at tracks across the city.
Sgt. James Schneider said this operation is the single largest safety detail in the country.
Schneider has served more than 20 years as a police officer, and said accidents involving trains are by far the most gruesome and preventable.
“One of the worst things that I’ve seen in my career as a police officer is a car/train collision,” said Schneider. “It’s not a pretty sight, you know, and I think just about anybody that’s been in this business for a long time would probably tell you the same thing. I don’t want to see it again, you know. I don’t want to see families mangled because they just wouldn’t stop for a train.”
He said there is nothing that can’t wait; nothing is worth losing your life or the life of a loved one because you didn’t stop at a crossing.
Forty eight states and more than 600 law enforcement agencies will participate in this initiative to raise awareness on railroad safety.
This is the 3rd annual detail.
