CN
CN’s retired intermodal containers are delivering positive change for Indigenous communities across western Canada, the Class I railroad recently reported in the Stories section of its website. Since April 2024, 25 such containers have taken on a new life, supporting a variety of essential programs and services. They are serving as horse stables, safe electronic recycling and metal recycling depots, and emergency response storage and cultural equipment storage units.
Steven Santelli, Indigenous Relations Manager at CN, has led the initiative, working with key partners Wildcard Excavation, a Métis-owned company and CN vendor; Enoch Civil Construction, which is owned by the Enoch Cree Nation; Road to Rail Construction, a joint venture with Paul First Nation; Recovery Rail Services, an Indigenous-owned company and CN vendor; Secure Energy; and Ambipar Group. All partners have provided delivery services for free, ensuring the containers reached their new homes without any financial cost to either the communities or CN, according to the railroad. The donations, it said, “have saved communities significant costs while providing much-needed critical resources.”
“Wildcard Excavation is proud to have the opportunity to partner with CN to transport Sea Cans to Indigenous communities throughout western Canada, ensuring safe and efficient transportation,” Wildcard Excavation Inc. owner Curtis Bachmeier commented. “We are dedicated to supporting all communities and fostering sustainable growth.”
“I am proud to work with companies who are willing to help donate their time and materials to make these container deliveries a success for the communities,” added Steven Santelli. “CN’s Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan in Canada and our journey towards Reconciliation takes many paths, and I am honored to work with communities and businesses that have the same values.”
CN in 2024 launched its inaugural Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, outlining 16 measurable commitments for advancing reconciliation over the next three years, in Canada. That plan was highlighted in the railroad’s recently published Sustainability Data Supplement, which covers key performance metrics in the areas of climate, safety, Indigenous reconciliation, and economic impact in 2024.
NS
Bridge Operator Billy Garris is NS’s longest-serving active railroader. To mark his 53rd year of service, NS on June 26 released a special video tribute (watch above).
Garris followed in his father’s footsteps and began his railroading career in 1972. Work as a painter helper, which started with sandblasting and painting a bridge, earned him $0.07-an-hour more and a shot at better benefits than the job he had been working since graduating high school, according to NS. Garris eventually made his way into a post as a drawbridge operator. For the past 20-plus years, he has reported to the South Branch rail bridge in Chesapeake, Va., where he facilitates the movement of trains between Portsmouth and Chesapeake, and enables waterway traffic to pass beneath the bridge unimpeded by rail traffic.
For Garris, railroading isn’t just a job; it’s part of who he is, according to NS. And retirement is not on the horizon.
“I feel good. I’m happy. And I can’t imagine my life being any better without the railroad,” Garris said in the video. “I just can’t. I hope the railroad lets me do this for a long time.”
“For Billy and thousands of railroaders like him, this job is more than work,” NS said. “With decades of grit and dedication, Billy embodies the Thoroughbred spirit that powers Norfolk Southern every day. Committed to safety, service, and connecting communities, our railroaders don’t just move freight—they power America.”
Meanwhile, NS has announced its support of the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, to be held June 27-July 6 in Birmingham, Ala. Established in 1985, the biennial event promotes physical fitness, wellness, professional development and camaraderie among first responders.
The railroad’s participation will include:
- Norfolk Southern Lawmen Band: The company’s nationally recognized musical group will perform live at the Games on June 30. The Lawmen were created by NS Police members in 1951.
- Locomotive Simulator: To be featured in the Athlete’s Village, the NS simulator will provide an interactive opportunity for attendees to learn about rail operations.
- Two members of the NS Police Department: Alabama native and NS Special Agent Jay Lacy, and NSPD Regional Superintendent Eric Oliver: Lacy, a nine-year veteran of the NSPD will begin competing in the Bench Press event on July 2. Oliver, a 28-year veteran, will also be competing in the Bench Press event.
- Athlete and volunteer support: An expo table for athletes will offer ChapStick, sweat towels, key chains, and pens, and athlete and volunteer bags will include a first-aid kit.
NS said its sponsorship reflects a “deep-rooted commitment to fostering safer communities.” Through initiatives like the railroad’s Safety First Grant program, which supports local first responders and public safety organizations, NS “invests in the same values celebrated at the Games: service, resilience and readiness.”
The railroad has provided free training to Birmingham first responders on emergencies involving trains through its Operation Awareness & Response program. More than 5,500 first responders in 2024 participated throughout NS’s 22-state network.
Additionally, as part of the railroad’s ongoing community investment, it awarded more than $78,000 in Safety First Grant and Thriving Communities grants to Birmingham-area organizations in 2024. Through these grants, NS said it helps equip local first responders, improve emergency preparedness, and promote public safety education throughout the region.
“Norfolk Southern police work closely with first responders to promote safety and strengthen the communities we serve in our 22-state network,” NS Police Director Chris Stanley said. “We look forward to cheering on the athletes competing this year—including two of our own Norfolk Southern police officers—and remain thankful to the dedication of first responders around the world.”
“We’re thrilled that Norfolk Southern is teaming up with the Birmingham 2025 World Police & Fire Games,” 2025 WPFG CEO DJ Mackovets noted. “Their commitment to public safety and community support mirrors what this event is all about. Having their officers compete and their team on-site supporting the Games shows that they sincerely walk the walk.”
In related news, NS recently awarded more than 100 scholarships to its railroaders’ children.
