Employee's Attentiveness Stops an RPST Impersonator

Switchman Kirby Carson could smell a horse story. Last month an individual was hanging around the North Yard in Fort Worth , Texas , claiming to be part of BNSF’s Resource Protection Solutions Team (RPST). Carson patiently listened and analyzed the information as the subject described his reason for being on BNSF property, then Carson called RPST. "On June 18, Carson reported a subject in the yard claiming to be a part-time special agent for BNSF," says Mike Elkins, terminal superintendent, Fort Worth . "This subject also claimed to be there on behalf of Homeland Security due to heightened security."

Although Carson is a fairly new employee (hired in 2004), he knew the subject’s story wasn’t ringing true. "Kirby knew this guy was buffaloing us," says Elkins. "He listened and asked questions. He noticed the subject’s story changing and his knowledge of the railroad wasn’t very detailed."

Kirby, who had reviewed the BNSF “On Guard” posters at the terminal, then called the Resource Operations Call Center (ROCC). "Kirby is very safety conscious and diligent in getting the job done well," says Elkins, who nominated Carson for a BNSF On Guard award.

As it turns out, the subject was a former employee of an electrical subcontractor who was terminated nearly a year earlier, and he was in possession of some BNSF master and switch lock keys which were issued to him while working for the subcontractor. The subject also has been recently arrested on burglary charges unrelated to BNSF.

Carson received his On Guard award Thursday, July 14.

Anyone who notices anything suspicious should call 1-800-832-5452. However, employees should never take action on their own if they spot a possible problem -- they should always call their local Resource Protection agents.

Examples of On Guard behavior is reporting security violations; checking someone’s identification; preventing "tailgating" through secured doors or areas; going beyond the job to check security of trains, loads or facilities; reporting trespassers; and reporting crimes in progress on BNSF property.

For more information on the On Guard program, go to the Resource Protection Intranet site and click Protection Solutions. Or go directly to: http://www.bnsf.com/resourceprotection/html/on_guard.html.