ASLRRA Honors Safety Leaders: Carne & Wilcox Win 2026 Awards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has honored two industry leaders for their exceptional commitment to operational safety, naming Matt Carne of Modesto and Empire Traction Co. and Joe Wilcox of Watco as its 2026 award recipients. The announcement underscores the critical role of dedicated safety professionals in maintaining the integrity and reliability of the North American short line rail network.

Main Body:

In a formal recognition of excellence, the ASLRRA has named the winners of its prestigious 2026 safety awards. Matt Carne, Senior Manager of Safety and Training at Modesto and Empire Traction Co., has been awarded the Safety Professional of the Year. This award acknowledges a management employee who demonstrates outstanding leadership in designing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety programs. Concurrently, Joe Wilcox, a conductor and engineer at Watco, was recognized as the Safety Person of the Year. This honor is bestowed upon a railroad employee who actively collaborates with management to foster effective safety protocols and consistently demonstrates exemplary safety awareness in their daily duties.

The role of a modern safety professional like Mr. Carne involves a multi-faceted approach to risk mitigation. Responsibilities extend beyond traditional compliance checks to include the strategic implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS), continuous improvement programs based on data analytics, and rigorous training schedules covering everything from hazardous materials handling to remote-control locomotive operations. Such programs are essential for ensuring that all personnel are proficient with federal regulations and equipped to manage the dynamic operational challenges inherent in the short line environment, which often involves complex industrial switching and interchange with Class I carriers.

The awards highlight the dual pillars of a successful safety culture: strategic oversight from management and vigilant execution by frontline personnel. Short line and regional railroads are the crucial first- and last-mile connectors in the national supply chain, serving thousands of agricultural, industrial, and manufacturing customers. The consistent dedication to safety shown by individuals like Carne and Wilcox is paramount to preventing incidents, protecting communities, and ensuring the fluid movement of goods. Their peer-nominated victories signal a deep respect within the industry for those who champion a safety-first mindset.

Key Takeaways

• Dual Recognition: The ASLRRA awards specifically distinguish between management-level safety program architecture (Professional of the Year) and on-the-ground safety leadership (Person of the Year).
• Industry-Wide Importance: The honors for professionals from Modesto and Empire Traction Co. and Watco reflect a broad, industry-wide commitment to elevating safety standards across all short line operations.
• Peer-Reviewed Excellence: Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts after being nominated by their own colleagues, indicating genuine and respected leadership in the field.

Editor’s Analysis

These ASLRRA awards are more than just personal accolades; they are a vital industry barometer. In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny and public focus on transportation safety, celebrating the architects and practitioners of robust safety cultures sends a powerful message. It reinforces that for the hundreds of short line railroads that form the bedrock of North American logistics, safety is not a cost center but the core of operational excellence. By highlighting the human element—the dedicated manager and the vigilant conductor—the ASLRRA emphasizes that technology and regulations are only as effective as the people who implement and live by them every single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2026 ASLRRA Safety Awards?
Matt Carne, Senior Manager of Safety and Training at Modesto and Empire Traction Co., was named the 2026 Safety Professional of the Year. Joe Wilcox, a conductor and engineer at Watco, was named the 2026 Safety Person of the Year.

What is the difference between the two ASLRRA safety awards?
The Safety Professional of the Year award honors a safety management employee responsible for creating and managing safety programs and training. The Safety Person of the Year award recognizes any railroad employee who exemplifies high safety awareness and collaborates effectively with management on safety initiatives.

Why is safety a critical focus for the short line railroad industry?
Short line and regional railroads are essential links in the supply chain, often operating in close proximity to communities and industrial sites. A strong safety record is crucial for protecting employees and the public, ensuring operational reliability, maintaining customer trust, and complying with federal regulations.