VIDEO: Asheville first responders are taking part in regional safety training. We're told it's the type of training they won't get a typical fire academy.
Norfolk Southern is conducting training that involves increasing the skills and knowledge of first responders on railroad safety. The training starts in a classroom setting and then they move on to hands on training. We're told many fire departments come for training during duty, in between calls.
Norfolk Southern says they have 12 stops this year around the region. They operate in 22 states, including Washington, D.C.
So far, they've had over 120 first responders train in Asheville. "This is a training that Norfolk Southern puts on through our regional hazmat and environmental response folks so if there ever is a railroad incident, these are the same people they're going to see if they're responding so we're building those relationships with the community that are so valuable" said Norfolk Southern senior communications manager Connor Spielmaker.