In 2018, trespasser deaths at railroad crossings were up from the year before. Just one year ago one of those accidents happened in Verdi.One group is making an effort to prevent those incidents from happening. The Rail Auxiliary Team, or the RAT pack as they are affectionately called, act as spotters for the railroads and for the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. They help keep people off the tracks and keep trains safe. The amazing thing is they are all volunteers.
Jennifer Brand has found a way to turn her interest into a way to save lives. “I always have liked trains. And I always want trains, that are so important to our country for freight and passengers, to be safe, said Brand. She has joined more than 30 others training how to be part of the Rail Auxiliary Team. “We learned a lot of specifics on what to look for and how to report it accurately,” said Brand. “We try to keep people off railroad tracks because it's dangerous. You cannot hear the train these days. They are very quiet. A train traveling 50 mph takes more than a mile to stop. So train crews can't do a lot more than just put on the brakes,” said Washoe County Sheriff’s Rain Auxiliary Team Trainer Richard Gent.
Twice a year, people can take an 8 hour course to train to be part of the team. After graduation, they act as the eyes and ears of the railroad and law enforcement when they graduate. “We cover everything from what is railroad private property, how to report it to the railroad first and law enforcement second, we talk about how railroads operate, and we even go into details about rail security and railroad counter-terrorism,” said Gent. ”Graffiti when it covers up the car number makes it impossible to report in. You cannot tell a person if there is a smoking car over there. There may be a fire in the waiting,” said Brand.
There are even training scenarios in the field. “Fishing off a bridge. Train comes around a corner. There is really no place for them to go. Other than run real quick or try to jump off the bridge,” said Gent. Graduates from the course aren't done with their responsibilities. They have to keep an eye out for train safety. Monthly training courses are also offered.“I want the trains to be safe. I’m doing my part,” said Brand.
Currently there are 120 volunteers participating in the Rail Auxiliary Team. To be a member of the team, first you have to join the Washoe County Sheriff's Office's volunteer Community Emergency Response Team. For more information on how to join, you can contact Citizens Corps Program Manager Mike Perry at mperry@washoecounty.us .
