Fall 2002
Volume 109 - No. 3
Fall 2002
Volume 109 - No. 3
Communications
Thanks from a grateful member of the NYPD
Dear Editor,
I would like to take this opportunity to say "God bless America" to all of the emergency service workers and everyone in the BLE and Long Island Rail Road who worked on that fateful day - September 11, 2001.
It was a hugely painful day for all of us. I am a New York City Police Officer with over 12 years of continuous, faithful service to the department. I am very proud of my Police Department for what they, along with the New York Fire Department and all emergency workers, were able to accomplish that horrible day.
I lost many friends that day, however, the rescue operations were second to none in our nation's history.
I have a close attachment to the BLE because my grandfather was a proud member for as long as I can remember. He was a Locomotive Engineer with the LIRR for close to 40 years. His name was William E. Betz. He was also a WWII veteran. I loved him and miss very much. He was a "hard nose" from the Old School. He did his job 100 percent and gave every ounce of himself to his work. He was also an Honorary Mason in the Masonic Order along with a very good friend who rose up through the Ranks of the Masons, Mr. Stewart McCloud, who was my grandfather's fireman on the LIRR..
I just wanted to be able to send this (letter) and say thank you to the Brothers and Sisters of the BLE for their work, and to tell your organization to "hang in there." There is "strength in unity!" as my Grandfather, my union - the NYC Patrolmen's Benevolent Association of the City of New York - and my Dad (who was a hard working and faithful signalman with the LIRR for 28 years) always said.
In closing, I would again like to say God bless the USA, especially to all those individuals who lost their lives, those who lost loved ones, and the heroes of September 11, 2001.
All engineers need ergo-friendly cabs
Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding the article in the June 2002 Locomotive Engineer Newsletter entitled "Engineer Friendly Cabs to Debut on New Jersey Transit."
I think it is commendable that an ergonomics committee was able to have input in the design of the cab of the ALP 46 locomotive, but many, if not most, of us will continue to operate in cabs that are not ergonomically designed or air conditioned.
Back in February 2000, two months after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its proposed ergonomics program to address work related injuries, I wrote to BLE President Dubroski urging the organization to get involved in this. I received a cordial reply and was told that the BLE was conducting a nationwide study of this issue.
When Jolene Molitoris was the Federal Railroad Administrator, the BLE had her ride in a non-air conditioned cab in the desert southwest. She was appalled that engineers could be made to work under these conditions and vowed to try and do something to change this. She is no longer head of the FRA.
I urge the BLE International Division to move forward on both ergonomics and air conditioning, so that someday all engineers will be able to enjoy these benefits.
© 2002 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers