(The following story by Denise Perry Donavin appeared on the Daily Herald website on January 13.)
CHICAGO — Operation Lifesaver — a railroad safety and education program — is coming to Elburn, thanks to an $18,056 grant written by Police Chief James Linane.
Elburn is a railroad town, with Metra’s passenger station planned for completion by December 2005.
About 50 years ago the Northwestern stopped passenger service in town. Union Pacific freight trains are a regular feature through the center of Elburn.
“There is so much railroad action in Elburn,” said President Jim Willey, “It behooves us to get on board with railway safety.
The funding comes from the Illinois Commerce Commission and is designated for public safety and enforcement. The money will be divided up with $13,736 earmarked for education, labor and materials and $4,320 for enforcement, including additional policing of the crossings and right of way.
The purpose of Operation Lifesaver is to increase public awareness about dangers around the rails by educating both drivers and pedestrians to make safe decisions at crossings and around railroad tracks.
Operation Lifesaver promotes active enforcement of traffic laws relating to crossing signs and signals and private property laws related to trespassing. The plan is to eliminate pedestrian and motor vehicle violations at railroad crossings. There are materials for all grade levels in the schools and for adults. Fire district staff and police officers will be trained as presenters.
Willey said that the best part of the program is that the village can educate its own people to be trainers and keep the program going once the grant is completed. More information on Operation Lifesaver can be found at www.oli.org.