The F. Tom Roberts Memorial Volunteer Award was established in 1994 “in memory of a man who dedicated the majority of his life to reducing or eliminating death and injuries along railroad tracks,” according to OLI, a nonprofit organization that is committed to preventing collisions, injuries, and fatalities on and around railroad tracks and highway/rail grade crossings, with the support of public education programs in states across the U.S. The award honors an individual who has demonstrated “outstanding dedication” to safety in the number of volunteer hours committed annually to OLI, the nature of volunteer activities performed, and other personal contributions to the OLI program. “For more than 20 years, Crawford has embodied this mission, educating thousands of children and adults about rail safety through engaging school programs and community outreach,” the nonprofit reported March 12.
Crawford began volunteering with OLI in 2003, focusing on civic groups in Muskogee, Okla. Over the years, he expanded his efforts to reach roughly 8,000 students across the state, using interactive train displays, safety videos and hands-on learning to reinforce rail safety messages. Today, the near 80-year-old remains Oklahoma’s most active OLI volunteer, reaching more than 700 students annually. His program has also expanded to include driver’s education students.
Beyond the classroom, Crawford is a familiar presence at model railroad shows, where he delivers “quick but impactful” safety messages and distributes educational materials, according to OLI. At an October 2024 show in Oklahoma City, for example, he reached approximately 1,200 children and adults over a single weekend, it noted.
“Bob’s passion for rail safety education is truly inspiring,” OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh said. “His dedication has made an impact in his community as well as throughout the state of Oklahoma. We are honored to recognize him with this award and thank him for his many years of volunteering with Operation Lifesaver.”
