Signal Maintainer Miguel Hernandez says the Belt has been committed to his professional growth and development since he joined the team in June 2025.

This past January, Hernandez attended his first two-week session at Signal Training Solutions in Grain Valley, Missouri, where he focused on wiring relays, troubleshooting, Ohm’s law and how to properly use multimeters and testers. He’s scheduled to return for another session on switches and gate mechanisms. 

Along with his teammates’ support, Hernandez says he appreciates the insight and instruction he’s received from Signal Maintainer Joey Gurgone and Foremen Mike Golich and Kyle Jane, who recognized Hernandez’s drive to succeed as he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) prior to entering the role.

Hernandez also expressed gratitude to Assistant Chief Engineer-Signal and Hump Systems Mark Ferguson and Signal Manager Jorge Guerrero for giving him the opportunity to join the Belt.

Outside of work, Hernandez and his wife, Cristina, enjoy spending time with their children: Miguel Angel Jr., 19, who’s studying physical therapy in college, and Mason, who’s 11 and enjoys being coached by Hernandez in basketball, baseball and football.

“I want to show them that if you want something, you have to go out and get it,” said Hernandez, who noted his father, Ruben, taught him the same valuable lesson in his youth.