The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) yesterday recognized two individuals for their “significant and consistent dedication” to railroad safety.
Nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of industry safety experts, the 2026 Safety Professional of the Year is Matt Carne, senior manager of safety and training at Modesto and Empire Traction Co., and the 2026 Safety Person of the Year is Joe Wilcox, a conductor and engineer at Watco, ASLRRA officials said in a press release.
The Safety Professional of the Year Award honors a safety management employee of an ASLRRA member railroad who is responsible for safety programs, training and the overall management of safe behavior and actions on their railroad. The Safety Person of the Year Award recognizes an employee of an ASLRRA member railroad who works with management on effective safety programs and exhibits a high degree of safety awareness…