Digital Media Coordinator Joe Chacon became the president of Illinois Operation Lifesaver in January and has helped step up safety blitzes within the Belt community, including local highway-rail grade crossings and high-traffic areas.

“We’re trying to have at least one a month,” he said, noting a recent blitz occurred at the 59th Street transit center.

ENS awareness

June 24 was the inaugural Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day, and the Belt collaborated with Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). 

Volunteers distributed information about the blue and white signs found at railroad crossings, which are crucial for reporting emergencies or problems.

Chacon said raising familiarity could save seconds when they count most. The volunteers also emphasized the importance of immediately exiting a vehicle if it’s stuck on the tracks.

It was the first time the Belt has collaborated with the CTA on an event, and the agency’s General Manager-Transit System Safety Rovaughn Graham expressed a desire to work together more. 

TSA

Chacon visited the Chicago Midway International Airport to participate in the Transportation Security Administration’s Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. 

“It was a pleasure to be part of such a unique event,” he said.

Chacon gave an Operation Lifesaver presentation to 25 children in attendance. The youth also enjoyed seeing TSA dog handlers perform exercises with their talented K-9s. 

He called the TSA an important partner and was grateful for the opportunity to reinforce the relationship.