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BNSF’s “Citizens for Rail Security” presented at Joint Terrorism Task Force meeting

At almost 8,000 members strong, the BNSF Railway’s own “Citizens for Rail Security” program (CRS) continues to grow in membership and popularity. The program has even caught the attention of local, state and federal Homeland Security officials. (PHOTO: Left: Chris Hoffman, F.B.I. Special Agent & Railroad Liaison Agent. Right: Bryan Schaffer, BNSF Senior Special Agent. Photo taken at the JTTF meeting at F.B.I. Headquarters, Birmingham, AL.)

In Birmingham, AL, BNSF Senior Special Agent Bryan Schaffer, a member of the North Alabama Joint Terrorism Task Force was asked by local F.B.I. Special Agent Chris Hoffman to make a CRS presentation to the members of the JTTF. Hoffman is the FBI’s local Railroad Liaison Agent and JTTF Coordinator, and works closely with Schaffer on Homeland Security issues.

On Tuesday, January 8 th, 2008 Schaffer conducted a CRS presentation to the local JTTF. In attendance were representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, U.S. Army, Department of the Treasury, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Alabama Bureau of Investigation as well as various local law enforcement agencies. The purpose of the presentation was to educate these public safety officials on yet another step the BNSF Railway has taken to secure its railroad as well as network with these officials in order to share information and resources in times of need.

Who would know a neighborhood or other area better than someone who lives or works there? The CRS program is based on a “neighborhood watch” philosophy. People will instantly recognize when something “just isn’t right” in areas they are familiar with. This is what the CRS program is about. We ask interested citizens to sign-up by visiting www.citizensforrailsecurity.com or attending a local CRS meeting presented by the BNSF Resource Protection Solutions Team’s Homeland Security group. After completing a membership application and agreeing to the guidelines regarding safety and trespass, citizens are able to print a membership card that identified themselves as CRS members. The card provides the member with the BNSF’s Resource Operation Call Center’s phone number (800-832-5452) where they can report suspicious or dangerous activity observed on or near BNSF property.

This grassroots program has proven to be a tremendous asset to both the BNSF as well as the communities we serve and has been credited with preventing derailments, solving crimes and even the prevention of suicides.

A CRS presentation is scheduled in Birmingham, AL for Saturday, January 26 th at 2PM. There is no charge to attend but reservations are required. Contact BNSF Senior Special Agent Bryan Schaffer at 205-320-3626 or by e-mail at Bryan.Schaffer@BNSF.com.

Membership in CRS is free! Sign-up today by visiting the website or if you have special needs, contact Special Agent Schaffer for assistance.

BNSF Enhances Citizens for Rail Security Program With Videos and Expanded Website

FORT WORTH, Texas, October 1, 2007 - Railroads transport much of the food, building materials, coal for electricity and consumer products that are utilized each day, and breaches in railroad security can threaten the national, state and local economies. As part of a heightened security awareness, Americans are being asked to be the eyes and ears for law enforcement officers.

To help improve security, BNSF Railway Company has expanded its Citizens for Rail Security program by launching two videos aimed at community groups and law enforcement agencies. The videos illustrate how effective these groups can be in the fight against terrorism and vandalism to protect global commerce. These videos will help citizens and law enforcement officers become more educated on what to report and to whom.

Citizens and officers should be on the lookout for:

• Trespassers
• Suspicious packages or other articles left on or near railroad property
• Unusual conduct in neighborhoods near or around railroad tracks and yards
• Crimes in progress such as theft
• Threats or hostile language against the railroad

One video is aimed at communities and residents who can help secure America’s rail network by knowing what to report and how best to describe the location or scene. The other video, aimed at law enforcement agencies, educates officials on railroad safety, who to call to report something or someone suspicious and basic railroad operations and terminology.

A subsidiary of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (NYSE:BNI), BNSF Railway Company operates one of the largest North American rail networks, with about 32,000 route miles in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is among the world's top transporters of intermodal traffic, moves more grain than any other American railroad, carries the components of many of the products we depend on daily, and hauls enough low-sulphur coal to generate about ten percent of the electricity produced in the United States. BNSF is an industry leader in Web-enabling a variety of customer transactions at www.bnsf.com.

BNSF Special Agent Conducts CRS Program Presentation

Bryan Schaffer, BNSF Special Agent, Birmingham, Alabama recently conducted a presentation explaining the Citizens for Rail Security (CRS) program. The event was held at the BNSF Railway terminal in Birmingham on November 17th.

Bryan conducted his first presentation in August, 2007, at the railway terminal. The presentation concluded with a tour of the Birmingham rail facility. Numerous requests have been received and additional presentations are currently being scheduled. If you would like to attend one of these presentations you can sign up by emailing Bryan at bryan.schaffer@bnsf.com or by calling him a 205-320-3626.

Space is limited in these presentations so call well in advance of your requsted date. When requested, Bryan is also willing to travel to other locations.

Folks that have attended one of his presentations have been quite pleased with its content and quality, and have especially enjoyed the tour afterwards. Here are a few of the comments from those attending:

"Even though I reside in Florida, I still signed up for this BNSF program. You guys are doing it right!" Randy B., Florida

"I appreciate the BNSF for recognizing railfans and the potential help that they can be to the railroad.: Jim A., Memphis, Tennessee

"For those that didn't get to make it to Birmingham last evening, you missed a great meeting. I would certainly recommend attending if you get a chance next time." John P., Alabama.