Patriot’s Johnson, Crosson Earn ASLRRA Safety Awards

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Patriot Rail employees George Johnson, Jr., (left) and Herman Crosson have been selected as ASLRRA Safety Person of the Year and ASLRRA Safety Professional of the Year, respectively.

Patriot Rail employees George Johnson, Jr., (left) and Herman Crosson have been selected as ASLRRA Safety Person of the Year and ASLRRA Safety Professional of the Year, respectively.

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) is honoring George Johnson, Jr., as Safety Person of the Year, and Herman Crosson as Safety Professional of the Year.

They are employees of Jacksonville, Fla.-based Patriot Rail Co., serving as Locomotive Engineer and Vice President Safety, Training and Regulatory, respectively.

The Safety Person of the Year recognizes a small-road employee who has “demonstrated outstanding safety achievement through visible promotion of safety programs and initiatives, as well as leadership by example,” according to ASLRRA. “In addition, the individual must contribute off-duty time to activities promoting community safety and involvement in social service.”

George Johnson’s efforts have contributed to 39 years of injury-free service at Patriot Rail’s 10-mile Golden Triangle Railroad (GTRA) in central Mississippi. He prioritizes addressing potential safety hazards, and fellow employees take note of his consistent, focused situational awareness, according to ASLRRA.

Johnson’s goal is to educate and encourage others in the company and community to “stay adaptable and prepared for working safely in the rail industry,” the association reported. At every stage of his career, Johnson has trained new rail service employees on safety and operational expectations. He formally assumed responsibility for training and certification of new and previously certified locomotive engineers when he was named Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers about 15 years ago.

Johnson is Chairman of GTRA’s Safety Committee, and has led implementation of the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) new power brake rules, among other initiatives. He also serves as the Senior “On-the-Job Train-the-Trainer,” and is GTRA’s liaison with the safety committee of key customer International Paper.

“George believes in rules because rules keep railroaders alive. He carries this approach into his life outside the cab, which is why George is such an effective teacher, leader and partner,” said Patriot Rail CEO John Fenton (pictured). “As Patriot Rail’s safety leader, Herman inspires by example, starting with his continuing current FRA certifications as Locomotive Engineer and Conductor.”

Johnson is community focused, as well. He is a 25-year volunteer member of the local Operation Lifesaver chapter, and volunteers at his local church.

The Professional of the Year recognizes a safety management employee “who is able to work effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization and industry, and supports the success of the short line industry in safety through the sharing of expertise and knowledge and the application of all regulatory requirements,” according to ASLRRA.

Herman Crosson implemented Patriot Rail’s VISION ZERO campaign for safety. As Patriot Rail CEO John Fenton explained: The campaign “begins with Herman’s own personal commitment and applies to everyone throughout the organization — Remember: No job is so important, no service so urgent that we cannot take time to perform all work safely. We can never afford to place productivity ahead of safety. Patriot’s VISION ZERO centers on engaging employees, enabling alignment and ownership of safety by all.”

Crosson also runs Patriot Rail’s Safety Committee program, which “focuses employees on identifying and preventing root cause practices, in addition to complying with regulations,” according to ASLRRA. Operating employees nominate their peers as leaders, and teams meet monthly to conduct a range of inspections and identify new potential risks. This engagement promotes a company-wide dialogue on continuing best practices.

A member of the U.S. Army National Guard, Crosson became the first African American commander of the South Carolina National Guard 59th Troop Command at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, leading 1,600 soldiers. Over the past year, the Brigade has supported 280,000 COVID testing and vaccination sites in South Carolina, and data centers for vaccination scheduling. At the onset of COVID, the Brigade delivered more than 100,000 meals to school children, and the medics have supported hospitals during COVID surges, which helped offset the need for civilian medical professionals.

In addition, Crosson is actively involved in his church, assisting with security.

ASLRRA President Chuck Baker

“The ASLRRA is pleased to recognize two individuals who have dedicated their careers to providing leadership in safety performance,” ASLRRA President Chuck Baker said. “There is no higher calling on a railroad than the commitment to bringing all team members home safely, every night, despite multiple competing priorities. This year’s applicant pool was the most competitive we have ever had. We are honored to recognize George Johnson, Jr., and Herman Crosson, both of Patriot Rail Company, for their significant contributions to their company’s safety culture, their community, and to the freight rail industry. Safety must come first for freight railroads every day, and these two leaders help make that goal a reality.”

The awards will be presented at ASLRRA’s Annual Convention, to be held Nov. 17-19 in Phoenix, Ariz.

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