PACIFIC HARBOR LINE a Report ANACOSTIA
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
PACIFIC HARBOR LINE A Report ANACOSTIA Spring 2015 MOW approaches nine years injury free Pacific Harbor Line maintenance of way employees are closing in on a significant safety milestone: nine years with- out a reportable injury, which they intend to achieve in April. The key is teamwork. Gabriel Calderon, track foreman, commended the team for their everyday commitment to working safely. “When we’re on the track, we can’t let our guard down,” he said. “We ensure that proper protection is in place and that it’s understandable to everyone. We also talk about where to clear up if necessary.” From left, Jose Rodriguez, roadmaster; Gabriel Calderon, track fore- man; and Luiz Diaz, welder, examine the track. About one-quarter of PHL’s 150 employees are military veter- ans or active guardsmen and reservists. Cliatt serves as American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association chairman of the Veterans Recruitment Committee. “This was an exceptional opportunity, spearheaded by the FRA, to bring military, federal agencies and the railroad industry together for one cause: to take care of America’s service members — America’s heroes,” Cliatt said. The event’s roundtable chairs were Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Readiness) Frank DiGiovanni, FRA Administrator Joseph Szabo and FRA Executive Director Stacy Cummings. All parties received information about the benefits of bridging the gap between exiting service members and hiring railroad companies. “The military expressed their pleasure with the short-line in- dustry’s brochures, which include interviews from current military Otis Cliatt II, PHL president, attends the Nov. 12 roundtable meeting veteran railroad employees and lists the website for additional at the Pentagon. information,” Cliatt said. He believes the roundtable was eye-opening for both sides and encourages further dialogue on the subject. He hopes the event Bringing veterans will be repeated in the future. to the railroad Pacific Harbor Line President Otis Cliatt II gathered with representatives from the Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Federal Railroad Administration and other railroad offi- cials for a Nov. 12 meeting at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. It was the first joint roundtable meeting held to discuss efforts to increase military veteran employment in the railroad industry. Highlighted was the new Department of Defense SkillBridge Program, which allows qualified service members to participate in training, apprenticeships and internships up to six months before completing their service obligation. According to Peter Gilbertson, Anacostia Rail Holdings president, Anacostia plans to use this program to enhance its hiring process. “The rail industry in general and Anacostia in particular have From left, Otis Cliatt II, PHL president, and Peter Gilbertson, Anacostia shown leadership in hiring veterans,” he said. “I thank Otis for Rail Holdings president, advocate increased hiring of military veter- being an industry leader on this issue.” ans by the railroad industry. Blue locomotives are clean source of power Two new blue locomotives made an appearance at the F&M Rail Service shop at Berth 200 in December to be placed in service for PHL. The GP20Ds manufactured by EMD are ultra-low emission. Because they use the same engines and generators as other PHL loco- motives, employees are familiar with their functions and can service them without training. The control system is their only difference. James O’Kelley, shop manager, said the locomotives are an indicator of railroad expansion on the ports. “The railroad is growing and workload is increasing,” he said. “These locomotives are comparable to PHL’s existing fleet and are emission compliant.” Pacific Harbor Line Report • 2 An Anacostia Company Chance says Thanks for your years of service goodbye It is with great honor and pride that I commend our employees with 5, 10 and 15 years of service, and thank their families for Alan Chance ends his railroad career with 17 years of their commitment. I thank each employee service at PHL. for their dedication not only to PHL, but Alan Chance left PHL Jan. 12 with 17 years of service, which followed 22 years also to ARH and the San Pedro Bay Port with Santa Fe passenger and freight trains. He never suffered a reportable injury Complex. It is because of remarkable employees during his railroad career. and a strong focus on safety, customer sat- “The key is to pay attention all the time,” he said. isfaction and performance that the largest That is the advice Chance shares with new hires and the standard he expects port facility in North America continues to of all co-workers. They must know what is around them, he advises, instead of be the best and most viable option in con- slipping into a daydream or thinking about their personal lives. necting the global transportation system. Chance began his railroad career in 1970 as a hostler. He learned how to operate —Otis Cliatt II, president passenger equipment and began operating passenger trains across the Barstow, Los Angeles and San Diego territories. He later ran freight trains, often traveling through 17 years of service the scenic Cajon Pass. He settled at PHL in 1998. “I slowed down from 70 miles per hour to 10,” he said. Alan Chance Chance was welcomed into the growing PHL family, developing countless relationships with co-workers over the years. Those friends are who he will miss 15 years of service the most in retirement. He hopes he made a positive impact on those he left behind. It especially was rewarding to witness the growth and renovation of the harbor. Timothy Bellamy In retirement, Chance plans to golf as often as possible. He also plans Robert Burris a trip to Maui to visit his brother, and will look into taking some painting Eubaldo Contreras classes. He is considering part-time work at Disneyland operating steam engines in the amusement park. Lyle George Chance also is eager for more family time with his wife of 34 years, Jeanne; his Lyle Gibson daughters, January and Susan; and his grandchildren. Raymond Gutierrez Armando Meza Rescuing Krissy Celso Montalvo Joaquin Oropeza Employees had caught glimpses of a dog wandering throughout PHL property in late 2014. Jose Rivas A rescue team from San Pedro-based Doggies 911 came to PHL Dec. 11 Jeffrey Robinson to pick up the stray German shepard. After hours of searching and chasing, they captured the exhausted dog from under a stack of railroad ties and took Albert Robles her to the South Shores Pet Clinic for cleaning and a checkup. The 9-month-old dog weighed in at 65 pounds and was given the name “Krissy.” Her trainers described her as shy, friendly and healthy. She is learning 10 years of service how to walk with a leash and is Peter Figueroa playful with other dogs. Harvey Reyes While Krissy has since been adopted, photos and vid- Gilbert Williams eos of her rescue are available at www.doggies911rescue.org. 5 years of service The site also offers more infor- mation on adopting other dogs Allan Carbajal from the shelter. Michael Casey Tony Davis Rescued from PHL property, Krissy has been adopted with help from Doggies 911. An Anacostia Company 3 • Pacific Harbor Line Report Team success is Mora’s goal Juan Mora makes a great addition to with the territory from managing Mead Yard. the PHL team. He started in June 2014 At PHL, he is responsible for announcing in- as a trainmaster with 22 years of railroad structions to crews, ensuring rules compliance experience. After beginning his career as and communicating safety. a brakeman, he served in various freight, He is fond of the family atmosphere and passenger and short line roles. camaraderie among PHL crews and manag- “I saw PHL is growing and wanted to be ers, and is grateful his career is filled with part of the operations here,” he said. “I foresee continual learning. even more growth and opportunities.” “My goal is to build a strong team and Mora found it easy to learn the system be- make no errors,” he said. cause it is compatible with an area yardmaster Trainmaster Juan Mora brings years of job he previously worked. He also was familiar railroad experience to PHL. Co-worker support helps Vargas advance Chris Vargas took his most recent career step in November, promoting to locomotive engineer. Since finishing training in December, he confidently operates trains across PHL territory. “I am comfortable on my own, but circumstances change every day,” he said. Vargas overcomes challenges by consulting with his crew. He knows he can count on his as- sistant engineer to update him on dispatcher instructions and provide accurate stopping distances. Teamwork comes naturally to Vargas after four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a vehicle operator. Camaraderie among his co-workers not only makes work enjoyable; it helps him work safely and efficiently. Coming to the railroad in 2012 was an adjustment, but Vargas learned quickly and had support from the PHL team. Training for his new job was no different. Working alongside several experienced locomotive engineers provided him the opportunity to ask a variety of questions and discover which techniques work best for him. Now he is focused on becoming a reliable locomotive engineer. “My goal is to work safely each day,” he said. Chris Vargas advances to locomotive engineer. In his free time, Vargas enjoys playing baseball on a recreational team. Samuelson fulfills dream Operating trains was Charles Samuelson’s and operation of various types of locomotives. in the same healthy condition in which he childhood dream. Now it is his reality. “Being in control of all that weight forces arrived. His goal is to reach his full potential “It’s something I have always wanted to you to pay attention,” Samuelson said.