Fishing is a popular hobby that combines relaxation with the thrill of the catch. Fishermen often want secluded spots near water bodies, in hopes of finding the perfect fishing hole. However, one location that should NEVER be considered for fishing is a railroad bridge. Though looking convenient…
If you are out in nature and see a railroad emergency but are unable to find a crossing nearby with a Blue ENS sign, there is another place to get information that will help the railroad in understanding your location. A…
Railroad crossings can present unique challenges for drivers, especially when dealing with vehicles that have low ground clearance. Low-slung sports cars, long trailers, buses, and other vehicles with minimal ground clearance are par…
In light of the recent accident in Florida, where a fire truck bypassed the crossing gates after a freight had passed and was subsequently struck by an oncoming train from the opposite direction, the Rail Auxiliary Team of Washoe County…
With the tragic news from Pecos, TX this week, the Washoe County, NV Rail Auxiliary Team will keep the two UP employees and their families in our thoughts and prayers. Such an accident might have been avoided by making just one call. One c…
What’s A Rail Team To Do?
First off, KUDOS to the Reno Area Dirt Bike Group (RADs) for their excellent cleanup of the offroad area along Peavine Mountain on September 7, 2024. Their herculean efforts brought out at least 7 vehicles, trailers filled with discarded tires and tons of other t…
The Situation
On Sunday evening, around 6:30 PM, a couple of Rail Auxiliary Team members were monitoring the scanner and highway cameras along I80 when a fire near Verdi, NV was spotted. After communicating with one another, it was determined that a call needed to be made to Union Pacific…
Last month the Rail Auxiliary Team received a two-hour briefing on the homeless from two experts in the homeless population. Our mission during that day was to “first seek to understand, then seek to be understood.” We learned about the homeless and the “revolving door” where a sweep goes through …
The world's largest steam engine, the UP Big Boy 4014, began its trek from Roseville, CA to Sparks, NV. The Rail Auxiliary Team positioned itself at various locations between Verdi and Sparks, NV, with the sole purpose of keeping people safe as the Big Boy steamed on by. Unfortunately, the Big B…
Washoe County Sheriff's Office Rail Auxiliary Team supports the Reno Tahoe Odyssey. The team ensured that 230 runners and their support vehicles safely crossed two railroad crossings in Nevada and California. Having trained personnel at these crossings ensured the runners safety and because Rail …
The old saying, A Picture is Worth a 1000 Words, communicates the truth in this instance.
Coffee Tracks and AMTRAK Support
On Saturday, March 23, 2024 the Rail Auxiliary Team held its field training, affectionately known as Coffee Tracks at two locations in the Reno area. Our first stop was Crossing#833583P at Socrates Drive. While observing the crossing, we matched the current cr…
PRESS RELEASE
HELPING DURING THE WORST OF TIMES
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of volunteers who dedicate themselves to help the community during the worst of times such as wildfires, earthquakes, or floods. The CERT program offers a consistent, nationwide approach…
Union Pacific Senior Special Agent Danny Castaneda in Eagle Pass, Texas.
At the start of every workday – typically around 5 a.m. – Union Pacific Senior Special Agent Danny Castaneda packs up his gear and head…
Nevada's Retired First Responders and Military Veterans Pioneering Railroad Public Safety and the See Something Say Something Campaign with the RAT PACK:
[Reno, NV, October 18, 2023] — A remarkable and innovative initiative is transforming Nevada's rail landscape as retired first responders…
Do you know what to do if you see someone walking on railroad tracks with a train barreling down in the distance? Or if your car gets stuck on the …
On Friday afternoon June 23, 2023 our Rail Auxiliary Team initially met in Verdi at the local fishing hotspot. Upon arriving, a RAT member noticed a fisherman walking along the tracks to get to his favorite fishing hole. A call to RMCC notified the railroad of a t…
What does a NO TRESPASSING Sign Mean?
Railroad tracks and crossings are very dangerous places if warnings are not heeded. Railroad companies spend time and money to make a person’s time at a crossing or around trains as safe as possible. Warning signs, flashing lights, crossing gates, bells, pave…
On Saturday morning March 18, 2023 our RAT pack met at crossing 833573J .
In preparation for our Rail Auxiliary Team field exercise, team members always set up an orange traffic warning sign to warn drivers that people are present in the area and to also educa…
