Union Pacific Mechanical Team Recognized for 25 Years of Safety Excellence

Five Union Pacific Railroad craft professionals in Yermo, California, recently marked 25 years of injury-free service.

The Mechanical Locomotive group, including Sheet Metal Workers Gabriel Aguayo, Roger Chapman, Travis McCain, Jose Pena and Manuel Velazquez, exemplifies excellence through accountability and prioritizing safe choices to reduce risk as they service locomotives at Union Pacific's Yermo fueling facility, said Senior Director-Locomotive Maintenance Justin Hendrickson.

"This is a motivated group," Hendrickson said. "They display a high level of organization and take great pride in their work."

The team performs detailed forecasting of inbound and outbound trains in need of fueling. Each responsible for different sections of the facility, the five employees maintain orderly conditions for themselves and their Transportation Department co-workers - contributing to their safety track record.

"Ideas to improve processes or the facility are discussed within the group until there's an agreed-upon course of action," Hendrickson said. "Because there's a collective decision about any important changes, there's a sense of ownership, which leads to sustainment."

The team received a plaque along with individual safety achievement awards to commemorate the outstanding accomplishment. Proudly displayed at their office, the plaque reminds the team of what's possible as they set their sights on a 30-year milestone.

This week, Union Pacific observes National Rail Safety Week with a reminder that nothing is more important than safety. This means all employees returning home to their loved ones each day and safeguarding the communities where we operate. Visit UP.com/safety for more information on our community safety programs and resources.