Omaha, Neb. — Recognizing the vital role played by its train dispatchers when it comes to safe operations, the Union Pacific Railroad has presented its Guardian Award to nearly 300 dispatchers for their work in 2023. The honored dispatchers work in three locations – Omaha, Neb., San Bernardino, Calif., and Spring, Texas.
UP train dispatchers, according to a statement on the railroad’s website, are the railroad’s protectors, coordinating the safe movement of trains, engineering equipment and employees across more than 32,000 track miles covering 23 states.
Among honorees is Train Dispatcher Shawn Harrison of Omaha’s Harriman Dispatching Center, who marked an important career milestone: he is one of only 14 train dispatchers in the railroad’s history to receive a Guardian Award for 20 consecutive years.
“Every day is different – employees of all crafts must stand together with a hyper-focused attention to detail,” Harrison saays. “Careful listening and asking the right questions help put the pieces together to keep everyone safe.”
For nearly 18 years, Harrison’s territory has been on the nation’s busiest rail hubs: Chicago. His territory extends from southern Chicago through rural Illinois to St. Louis, Mo.
“I value the relationships I’ve built,” Harrison said. “I’ve worked with some really great Transportation train crews and Engineering teams for a long time.”
As a third generation Union Pacific railroader, going home safe is a strong motivator for Harrison. His father, R. Lou Harrison, served a 15-year career in cities across Nebraska, and his grandfather, Horton Harrison, worked as a crew caller in Hastings, Nebraska, before retiring with 30 years of service.
