Virginia Railway Express hosts TSA security training

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) yesterday hosted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for a canine training at the Broad Run train yard in Prince William County, Virginia.

During the event, explosive-detecting canines swept train equipment and a nearby station to help familiarize the dogs and their handlers with railroad environments, VRE officials said in a press release.

The event was part of a continued effort to boost interagency surface training.

"We operate in a security critical region and are committed to pursuing as many opportunities as possible to incorporate security into our operations," said VRE Chief Executive Officer Doug Allen.

For the past several years, the railroad has partnered with the FBI, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, local law enforcement agencies, CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to host training activities to detect narcotics and explosives.