Rail Safety Training Held for Houston ISD Police Officers
Just over two months after a Houston ISD student was struck and killed by a Union Pacific train while on his way to school, the railroad company held a safety training session with approximately 100 HISD police officers.
Rail Safety Training
Union Pacific said it partnered with the nonprofit Texas Operation Lifesaver to provide HISD officers with critical rail safety training on Friday to help prevent and respond to rail incidents. The training was held at the Houston ISD High School for Law and Justice.
Rail Investigation Safety Course
According to Union Pacific, the "Rail Investigation Safety Course" consists of hands-on education to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills to respond to railroad incidents. This includes training on assessing railroad environments, interpreting rail signage and signals, and emergency procedures for trains and tracks.
Importance of Rail Safety
"Rail safety is a shared responsibility, and we’re committed to working with local agencies to keep the entire Houston community safe around railroad tracks,” Clint Schelbitzki, assistant vice president for public affairs at Union Pacific, said in a statement. “This training goes beyond just checking a box — giving first responders the tools to prevent tragedies and effectively respond when seconds matter.”
HISD’s Commitment to Safety
In a statement to Houston Public Media, an HISD spokesperson said the district appreciated the training and ongoing cooperation offered by Union Pacific.
"HISD remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with all partners to ensure the safety and security of its students," the spokesperson wrote. "We appreciate the efforts of government agencies and Union Pacific in upholding their commitments to prioritize safety, and we look forward to continuing our collective work to create a secure environment for all students."
Backlash and Ongoing Efforts
Both the school district and the railroad company faced backlash for the December 2024 death of 15-year-old Sergio Rodriguez, a Milby High School student who was struck by a moving train near the East End campus.
In the wake of Rodriguez’s death, Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo began collaborating to improve railroad safety near schools. Of the 110 HISD campuses with nearby railroad tracks, Miles announced that nine schools would be the district’s main focus.
Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Rodriguez’s parents filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Union Pacific seeking $1 million. The lawsuit was originally filed in Harris County but was later transferred to a Houston-based federal court. The lawsuit was dismissed in late December at the request of the parents, court records show.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the rail safety training?
A: The purpose of the rail safety training is to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills to respond to railroad incidents and prevent tragedies.
Q: Who partnered with Union Pacific for the training?
A: The nonprofit Texas Operation Lifesaver partnered with Union Pacific for the rail safety training.
Q: How many HISD police officers received the training?
A: Approximately 100 HISD police officers received the training.
Q: What is the next step for the school district and the railroad company?
A: The school district and the railroad company will continue to work together to improve railroad safety near schools and prevent future incidents.
Q: What is the status of the wrongful death lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit was dismissed in late December at the request of the parents, court records show.
