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On May 26, BNSF Railway Co., Union Pacific Railroad, Amtrak, California Highway Patrol and Fresno, Calif., police officers completed an “Officer on a Train” program to promote grade-crossing safety in the Fresno area. During the past three years, 31 crossing incidents occurred in Fresno.

Partnering as the Northern California Public Rail Safety Team, the officers rode in locomotives to observe motorists’ and pedestrians’ behavior at crossings. If they witnessed a violation — such as a motorist driving around gates or a pedestrian trespassing — the officers radioed an alert to street-based officers, who issued citations. During the event, officers issued 40 citations.

“Sometimes, the safety message makes a stronger impact when it’s accompanied by a ticket from law enforcement officers,” said Bob Alexander, BNSF coordinator for field safety support, in a prepared statement.