Norfolk Southern to establish regional safety training center in Ohio

Norfolk Southern Corporation announced Wednesday that it will create a new regional training center in Ohio for first responders. Additionally, Norfolk Southern will expand its Operation Awareness & Response program, which travels the company’s 22-state network and trains first responders on how to respond safely to rail incidents. Norfolk Southern will partner with community leaders to identify a location for the new facility. The mission of the safety training center will be to provide additional, free training for first responders from Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the greater region. It will also strengthen coordination between railroads and first responders in the event of an emergency response. "These commitments are the direct result of my conversations with Governor DeWine and other leaders, all to better support our first responders and their communities. 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," said Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw. "I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to the first responders from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia who rushed to the derailment site on February 3rd."