ASLRRA honors railroads, individuals at annual conference

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association honored a slate of member railroads and individuals for safety, environmental stewardship, veteran engagement and lifetime achievements during its annual conference and exhibition in Minneapolis the past two days.

ASLRRA presented its 2026 Veterans Engagement Award to North Shore Railroad Co. for its efforts to recruit, retain and support U.S. military service members and veterans. North Shore was also selected for its visible community engagement and fundraising efforts.

The association also handed out its Green Spark Award, which previously was known as the Environmental Award, to Lake State Railway Co. The short line was recognized for its efforts to decrease locomotive emissions and reuse or recycle its leftover operating materials.

In addition, the ASLRRA honored two individuals with awards for their dedication to rail safety. The Safety Professional of the Year award was presented to Matt Carne, senior manager of safety and training at Modesto and Empire Traction Co.; and the Safety Person of the Year award was given to Joe Wilcox, a conductor and engineer at Watco.

Also during the conference, the ASLRRA inducted three individuals into its Short Line Railroad Industry Hall of Fame: Richard Jay Corman (posthumously), founder of R. J. Corman Railroad Co.; R. Lawrence McCaffrey, author of "Starting a Short Line" and a lawyer whose work drove policy benefitting short lines; and Michael Smith, president of Finger Lakes Railway.

Finally, the ASLRRA presented its 2026 Schlosser Distinguished Service Award to Gary Vaughn. The award is named for former ASLRRA Chair Thomas Schlosser and is the association's highest individual honor.

Vaughn served on the Federal Railroad Administration's Railroad Safety Advisory Committee and was the first short-line industry chairman of the U.S. Department of Transportation's General Code of Operating Rules Committee, ASLRRA officials said. He joined Watco as safety director in 2003, where he remained until his retirement in 2019. During his tenure, Watco achieved numerous safety records, as Vaughn restructured the safety department and implemented workplace safety education programs.