2007 Operation Lifesaver Train

2007 Operation Lifesaver Train

An Operation Lifesaver train operated by the Union Pacific and Metra ran between West Chicago and Belvidere and later between Janesville and Crystal Lake. Naturally, this involved several C&NW men and thanks to Mark Llanuza, we have these fine photos. On Friday, June 1, 2007, the train operated between West Chicago and Belvidere with officials from on-line towns aboard. On Saturday, June 2, it made two trips to Belvidere and return to West Chicago, this time for employees and their families. And, on Monday, June 4, it ran between Janesville and Crystal Lake, again with officials from various municipalities on board. The equipment all originally operated on the “City” trains and has been restored by the UP. This was a “big order” because the equipment had to be purchased back from a variety of roads who had acquired it after the “City” trains were taken off. The two engines, the 949 and the 951, were sold to the C&NW, then to the RTA, then to Metra and finally back to the UP where they, too underwent restoration.


At Belvidere on June 1, Mark rounded up all the C&NW men he could find for this group photo. (L to R) Conductor Mike Popilek, Switchman Roger Edmonds, Conductors Rick Gramkowski & Terry Hopkins, Engineers Stan Backleda & Bob Richards, and Conductor Gordy Bowe.	Here’s Conductor Mike Popilek and Engineer Bob Richards. Together, these men hold about 75 years of C&NW service.

Again at Belvidere, here’s a line-up of C&NW & Metra people. Gordy Bowe is on the left followed by former C&NW Conductor Tom McNamara, now a Metra Safety Officer. C&NW Engineer Sheldon Soldwisch is on the far right. Next to Sheldon is Pat Mitchell, Administration Manager at Commuter Operations. Thanks to Ron Corrigan for identifying Pat. Maybe someone can identify the others.	At West Chicago, we have (far left) Joe Martin, Manager of Operating Tech. & formerly an Illinois Division Engineer; then Robert Resch in the red shirt, Engineer Sheldon Soldwisch standing in the vestibule and Gordy Bowe second from the right; then Mark Peterson, DTO at Proviso & formerly an Illinois Division Conductor. Thanks to Bob Fisher for helping with the identifications

Just before boarding at West Chicago on June 2, 2007.	At Janesville, this group posed in the UP car Portland Rose. Standing at the left is Robert Resch, then Sheldon Soldwisch and on the right is Gordy Bowe.

Friday, June 1, 2007 – Crossing the Fox River.	Friday, June 1, 2007 – Westbound through Elgin.

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Revised: 03/17/09