Railroader and volunteer Johnston receives crime prevention award

Lorrie Johnston of the NB Southern Railway was recently honored with a “Certificate of Recognition” by the New Brunswick Crime Prevention Association for her ongoing work on railway safety, especially with children. [caption id="attachment_529" align="alignright" width="300" caption="From left: Lorrie Johnston of the NB Southern Railway and Finance Minister Greg Byrne, who attended on behalf of Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John W. Foran."][/caption] In addition to being an employee of the NB Southern Railway, Johnston is a long-time volunteer with Operation Lifesaver, a certified presenter on railway safety, and was the first recipient of the Operation Lifesaver Roger Cyr Award for commitment and dedication towards public-rail safety in 2008. Johston received this latest award in recognition of her work with the Rothesay Regional Police Force on crime prevention projects. One example of her work was a bike rodeo where she set up a mock railway crossing so that children would know how to treat a real crossing. According to the organizers at the New Brunswick Crime Prevention Association “Johnston has given several presentations to many schools and to the Neighbourhood Watch Association. She discusses the dangers of trespassing on railway property and general train safety. She is enthusiastic about her work, and is always willing to partner with organizations to make a presentation on train safety awareness.” From Johnston’s point of view, this is work that is made easier thanks to Operation Lifesaver Resources. “With the help of Operation Lifesaver ‘tools’,” says Johnston, “and the support of our amazing committee, we here at NBSR are always ready and available to respond and reach out to our community when the need calls for rail safety.” For further information: Media Contact: Lorrie Johnston, NB Southern, (506) 648-3545; Dan Di Tota, Operation Lifesaver, (613) 564-8094