The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has named Matt Carne, Senior Manager, Safety & Training, Modesto & Empire Traction Company, as its 2026 Safety Professional of the Year, and Joe Wilcox, Conductor and Engineer, Watco, as its 2026 Safety Person of the Year. Nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of industry safety experts, the annual awards “recognize two individuals for their significant and consistent dedication to operating safely.”
The Safety Professional of the Year honors a safety management employee of an ASLRRA Class II or Class III member railroad who is responsible for safety programs, training and the overall management of safe behavior and actions on their railroad(s).
The Safety Person of the Year Award recognizes an employee of an ASLRRA Class II or Class III member railroad who works with management on effective safety programs and exhibits a high degree of safety awareness.
“Safety is the one non-negotiable in the short line railroad industry. While short lines are known for always getting to yes, delivering for customers, and growing local economies, an unrelenting focus on safety underpins everything they do,” said ASLRRA President Chuck Baker. “ASLRRA’s Safety Person and Safety Professional Awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond what is required to bring every railroader home safely every night – they are prestigious honors in the industry and are extraordinarily meaningful to the recipients. I’m looking forward to recognizing Matt Carne as the 2026 Safety Professional of the Year, and Joe Wilcox as the 2026 Safety Person of the Year at our upcoming Annual Conference & Exhibition.”
The winners will be recognized at the General Session on Monday, April 13 at the ASLRRA Annual Conference & Exhibition April 12-14, in Minneapolis, Minn.
As a leader in safety at Modesto & Empire Traction Company (MET), Carne has built a culture of openness where close-call reports are encouraged and discussed to emphasize a proactive approach to safety concerns. As a former teacher and high school coach, Carne recognizes the importance of education to improving safety. He leads educational initiatives for a variety of participants to bolster safety knowledge at MET and beyond. This includes inviting regulators and the Short Line Safety Institute (SLSI) to provide on-site training to MET employees.
“Matt inspires a unified commitment to safety excellence,” writes MET Vice President of Rail Operations Jared Martin. “His approach brings people together with purpose, clarity, and shared pride in achieving safety milestones. He demonstrates a deep commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. Matt’s positive attitude, even in the face of difficult safety enforcement, helps foster a culture where safety is embraced rather than resisted.”
Carne’s efforts have helped the railroad experience measurable safety achievements, including zero regulatory violations across 16 separate inspections in 2025.
On paper, ASLRRA Safety Person of the Year Joe Wilcox’s eight years in the railroad industry make him a relative newcomer. But on the job, Wilcox brings the focus, insight and leadership of a senior team member, the association noted.
As a conductor and engineer at Watco’s industrial switching operation in Plaquemine, La., Wilcox is known for his active participation. He always comes to meetings prepared and ready to contribute, offering up relevant safety-related topics for discussion and providing valuable insight that enhances his colleagues’ understanding and awareness of safety alerts or the rule of the week. He also promotes a culture of safety within his department. Wilcox’s eye for safety and keen awareness make him a highly trusted evaluator of newer team members. While it is not part of his regular workplace responsibilities, Wilcox provides detailed and timely evaluations of student conductors to help those in management determine whether a student is ready to become a certified conductor.
This safety awareness is not limited to meeting rooms and training scenarios. Wilcox has identified several near misses that have resulted in team members implementing crucial preventative safety measures.
“Joe has built a reputation as a dedicated leader on his shift. His leadership is grounded in discipline, teamwork, and a deep sense of purpose,” said Watco Director Safety Randy Burington. “Whether at work, at home or in service to his community, he brings passion, drive and heart to everything he does.”
“Congratulations to our Safety Professional of the Year Award winner Matt Carne of Modesto & Empire Traction Company and Safety Person of the Year Award winner Joe Wilcox of Watco,” ASLRRA wrote in an X post. “Matt and Joe have each demonstrated significant contributions and consistent dedication to safe operations on their railroads. We’re excited to honor them both at our Annual Conference in April.”
