Progressive Railroading Honors Watco’s Brad Walker
Brad Walker Director of Safety
Brad Walker, Watco’s Director of Safety, was recently
“He’s a great person to have on a team with you
named as a Rising Star for 2020 by Progressive
because there’s nothing off limits to the guy,”
Railroading. He was one of 25 Rising Stars selected
Coomes said. “Taking notes, getting coffee, leading
from more than 100 nominees.
the meeting. Whatever you need from him, he’ll do
“I was pretty surprised, pretty taken aback,” Walker
it. He’s very selfless.”
said about receiving notification from the magazine.
Walker joined Watco in May 2004 as a brakeman to
“It was pretty cool to be recognized that way.”
help operate the Kaw River Railroad. He impressed
“I’m honored by all means,” Walker said,
coworkers as a smart, affable guy – a reputation that
emphasizing that “it’s a team recognition; this
has followed him the last 16 years as he’s moved
represents the team effort. It’s cool to see
through the company’s ranks.
Watco recognized.”
Walker oversees all the company’s transportation-
Progressive Railroading recognizes individuals
related safety for Divisions 1-4: railroad and
under age 40 working for North American railroads and related businesses who have made or are making “a positive impact on his or her company, organization, department or team.” The magazine says a Rising Star “is viewed by others – peers, colleagues, supervisors, clients or associates –
switching operations. Among his responsibilities are data collection; classroom and field safety training; safety for the switching operations; the company’s drug and alcohol program; coordinating audits and inspections; facilitating quarterly and annual safety meetings; and staying current on
as an up-and-coming leader in the rail industry.”
industry regulations.
Walker fits the criteria, said Steve Coomes, Senior
Progressive Railroading will post winners’
Vice President of Operations. He calls Walker “an outstanding leader recognized throughout the Watco system as one of the best mentors our company has to offer. 4 The Dispatch | May 2020
profiles to its website this summer, and in the September issue.
