Friday, April 05, 2002 (Washington, DC) U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and Federal Railroad Administrator Allan Rutter today presented the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Award for Heroism to Portland & Western Railroad (PWR) conductor Aric Jeffs, for his efforts in saving the life of a young child. PWR locomotive engineer Ted Kulick was presented with a Certificate of Commendation for his actions during the same incident.

“These two individuals are true heroes in every sense of the word,” said Secretary Mineta. “There is no doubt that were it not for their heroism, selflessness and professionalism, the outcome would have been tragic. Their quick thinking and life-saving actions are nothing short of remarkable and it gives me tremendous pleasure to recognize them for their efforts.”

On Aug. 9, 2001, a 30-car PWR train loaded with scrap steel was en route to a McMinnville, OR., mill when Jeffs and Kulick observed a group of children on a bridge ahead of their train. As the six youths ran to avoid the train, one of them, a seven-year old boy, fell and became trapped between the ties of the trestle bridge.

Immediately, Mr. Kulick attempted to slow the train, though it was clear to him that applying the brakes alone would not be enough to avert striking the boy. With the train still moving at approximately 4 mph, Mr. Jeffs rushed to the locomotive’s front steps, called out to the boy and lifted him to safety. In so doing, Mr. Jeffs put himself at great risk in order to save the life of the child. After making the rescue, the train continued for another 150 ft. at which point it came to a complete stop.

“It is because of the courageous efforts of Mr. Jeffs and Mr. Kulick that in this case, a potential tragedy was averted,” said Administrator Rutter. “Unfortunately though, this type of scenario plays itself out each and every day across our nation’s rail network. This incident should serve as a vivid reminder to all Americans that the decision to trespass on railroad property is not only illegal, it can be deadly.”

Railroad trespassing is the leading cause of rail-related fatalities in the U.S. with more than 500 people killed and nearly 400 injured last year. The FRA works in partnership with Operation Lifesaver, Inc., railroads, states, communities and many others to educate the public, especially children, about the dangers of railroad trespassing.

The Portland & Western Railroad, a subsidiary of the Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. head-quartered in Greenwich, CT, operates a 444-mile route system throughout Northwest Oregon, transporting over 60,000 carloads annually and serving 135 customers.