Built on the booming railroad industry, Rail Safety Week means a lot to a Clinton native and now high-ranking law enforcement official. 

The Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police is sponsoring Rail Safety Week from September 21-27 and Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers notes Illinois Rail Safety Week is intended to increase awareness of railroad safety as it pertains to the general public.

The railroad system has had its impacts Clinton residents as some families have deep ties to the rail system many generations ago, and while the Chief cannot recall any major accidents, they do receive minor calls about individuals disregarding railroad crossing signs.

Chief Lowers reminds the public that railroad tracks are, contrary to popular belief, private property. Walking or biking along railroad tracks is illegal and unsafe.

The ties to the rail system in Illinois don't end in Clinotn - the City of Chicago has one of the country's biggest rail hubs. Chief Lowers encourages the public to view rail safety education material on the Operation Lifesaver website at www.oli.org.