BILLINGS, MT – BNSF Railway donated $10,000 to Montana’s Rural Fire Council and provided First Responder families with a 2-hour luxury train ride all in a show of appreciation for the selfless service provided by Policeman, Fireman, and Emergency Medical Technician’s in Montana.
The event commenced at the historic Billings Depot at 12:45 pm with a short ceremony led by Regional Director of Public Affairs Matt Jones. Lieutenant Governor Mike Cooney offered his appreciation of First Responders and then Andrew Johnsen, Assistant Vice President for Community Affairs for BNSF presented the Rural Fire Council with an oversized $10,000 check.
Following the short ceremony, approximately 350 people boarded BNSF’s passenger train for a two-hour train ride across Eastern Montana. The Billings Depot even offered to stamp the tickets of the passengers – many of which had never ridden on a train previous to this experience.
BNSF Railway plays a vital role in Montana’s economy moving coal, wheat, cattle and oil to market. The rail company serves the western two-thirds of the United States as well as portions of Canada and key Mexican gateways with some 32,500 route miles.
BNSF will spend about $180 million in 2016 in the capital expenditure program in Montana this year. The plan in Montana is focused on maintenance projects that help ensure a safe and reliable network and reflects the success BNSF has had in adding capacity in prior years to support customer demand.
Montanans maintain a sense of pride in their service to their communities and what a wonderful gesture to see such a show of appreciation from the business community. A Special thanks to BNSF, the Billings Depot, and all First Responders.
Source: Northern Broadcasting
