As an Illinois Operation Lifesaver Coach, Digital Media Coordinator Joe Chacon recently instructed and certified Communications Maintainer Manuel Villa Jr. and Chicago Police Department officers Diana Lozano and Erika Villanueva as Operation Lifesaver Authorized Volunteers (OLAV) to help bring consistent rail safety education to school groups and other community audiences.

Chacon said Villa has quickly embraced the role, noting, “Manuel is hard working and enthusiastic; he wants to teach.” 

He added that Villa has already supported multiple safety blitzes since joining the Belt and has taken an active role in outreach.

“Manuel cares about the community and is always ready to lend a helping hand,” Chacon said, who has volunteered with Operation Lifesaver for 21 years. 

Villa, who marked his first service anniversary with the Belt in April, notes he desires to use his fluency in Spanish to help spread Operation Lifesaver’s safety message. He recently joined Chacon at a few career day events to educate young people about the Belt’s opportunities and recruit the next generation of railroaders.

“I don’t remember that happening at my school when I was a kid,” Villa said. “I would have appreciated it. There is so much you can do to help. I also had a lot of fun.”

Villa says he finds it especially rewarding to present to children the same age as his 7-year-old, Roman, noting, “It’s like I’m talking to my son.”

Last year, Chacon visited four local grade schools and one high school. He said the outreach has continued this spring with visits in April to Ashburn Community, Robert L. Grimes and Sawyer elementary schools.

Villa said that he and Chacon have a good rapport when presenting, stating, “I see participating in safety blitzes and career days as a bonus. I really care about people and their safety.”

Chacon said Villa shows a genuine passion and leadership.

“That’s clear whether he’s chatting with students about his railroad career or sharing tips with parents at Operation Lifesaver events,” he said.

Villa puts it all together

Villa attributes his strong interest in trains and Chicago’s transportation grid to various childhood discussions with his father.

“I really wanted this job; it feels like a dream,” Villa said.

Prior to joining the Belt in 2025, Villa worked in construction and as a locksmith; he also installed security cameras. He said those roles helped him build his dexterity, troubleshooting skills and experience with electronics.

Villa says he’s eager to learn more about his craft and railroad operations as a whole, stating, “It’s a career I can envision doing until I retire.”

Communications Foreman Miguel Arteaga is glad that Villa is part of the team.

“Manuel is always there and willing to put in the effort,” he said.

Villa notes his inspiration for working safely includes his children, Andrea, 20; Valerie, 15; and Roman, 7.