Train service resumed at 1:30 this afternoon. Nothing more eerie than the sound of the train whistles at the crossings after three days of silence. The effort to find the last victim is ongoing, the cleanup is ongoing, the whole effort is massive and the support of the community has been awe inspiring. Churches are rotating fixing meals for the workers, supplies and comforts are pouring in to the Methodist church, and all the churches are open around the clock for the workers to seek comfort and counseling.
The names of the two men who have been recovered have been released; the third, however, has not been made public. I was given the information by a BNSF source, but out of respect to the person's loved ones, I won't post it until it's given to the media.
Mr. Kenneth Smith, Jr, 59, was a conductor and had worked for BNSF for 39 years. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and a son and daughter. Smith's son works for BNSF in the Network Operations Center in Ft. Worth, Texas.
Mr. Cody Owens, 52, was a locomotive engineer and had worked for BNSF for almost 22 years. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and two sons and a daughter.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these three individuals.
