It is with deep sadness that we relay some tragic news. Brother Darrin Polansky was struck and killed yesterday while working as a grinder on BNSF. He was 58 years old.

Brother Darrin and his welding partner, Brother Chad Chandler, were working near the town of New Rockford, N.D. when their work truck was struck by a train at a road crossing. Details remain incomplete on what led to the accident, but Brother Darrin was fatally injured. Brother Chad was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover, though our deepest and most sincere thoughts remain with him during this difficult time.

Brother Darrin was a member of BMWED Burlington Northern System Federation Local Lodge 706. He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren. The entirety of our Brotherhood sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Please remember that railroading is not a routine profession. It is vital that we prioritize our safety every time we come to work. The most recent report from the Fatality Analysis of Maintenance-of-Way and Signalmen (FAMES) committee studied 27 years of data, confirming that the highest number of roadway worker incidents occur during the fourth quarter of the year. It is imperative that we maintain vigilance and stay attentive to safety as the work year winds to a close.