Lakeland Police Conduct Operation Lifesaver at Railroad Crossings

After a long, hot day in the Florida sun, Operation Lifesaver's visit to Lakeland was a huge success. Our thanks to the numerous volunteers from FDOT and CSX who came out and help distribute safety literature to drivers at our three targeted locations. Several local restaurants helped with meals to feed the volunteers and keep them hydrated in the August heat and humidity.

   

The dedication of these volunteers and the sheer determination of the officers to get an educational message to the public was inspiring to watch unfold. Numerous media outlets, far to many to link to here, were at some of the locations as early as 5:30 this morning to begin broadcasting from the scene. Their interest in helping spread the message of safety was a tremendous help in reaching Lakeland and the entire Tampa Bay market. I hear we even had a photographer from the Orlando Sentinel visit the location in front of the police station to get some pictures. Our thanks to all of our media partners. Billy Townsend at the TBO Polk County New Blog did get the story posted on his blog this afternoon.

   

One of the locations targeted by Operation Lifesaver was Wabash Avenue and West Olive Street, the spot where four deaths occurred during a horrific collision between car and an Amtrak train earlier this summer. Volunteers distributed safety literature in the shadow of a memorial constructed at the intersection. The photos below are of that memorial.

   

In case you are wondering if all of this is really necessary, I have to tell you it is. While standing at the Wabash location this afternoon taking these photos, the freight train below approached from the east. The signal lights and alarm activated, and the crossing arms began to lower just like they are supposed to do every time a train in coming. This occurred as police vehicles were positioned around the intersection with their emergency lights activated and a bunch of uniformed cops standing beside the roadway.

   

Regrettably, I was too stunned at what I saw next to get a photo of it - two cars began to move across the tracks as the arms lowered with all of these cops standing there. One car made is across and the other continued forward beneath the crossing arm as it descended. The officers quickly hollered to the driver and told him to stop and back up. Simply amazing is all I can say - perhaps one day the message of safety will get into everyone's head.

In the mean time, we are planning our next visit to this location...this time not so much with an educational mission as one of strict enforcement. Please, drive safely and heed the warning of an approaching train. It is not worth the risk to try to beat the train, and these tickets are very expensive if you are so careless as to get one the next time we are there.

-Asst Chief Bill LePere