To the editor:

Nine months ago many of our lives changed when a train derailed alongside East Taggart Street. Everyone in this community has a story to tell about how Feb. 3 impacted our lives. As a Norfolk Southern employee who calls East Palestine home, my story isn’t more important than anyone else’s, but it’s one perspective.

When the train derailed, things were tough. And because I worked for the railroad, I wondered what I could do to help. After I got a note requesting feedback from our CEO Alan Shaw, I decided to reach out and share my thoughts, not sure what would come of it. But then he said he wanted to meet with me, and he joined my family and neighbors at my home, and then unexpectedly, offered me a new role at the railroad.

Alan created a new position, where I’d be a temporary community liaison. It has been my job to listen to and work with leaders in the Village. My mission has been to build lasting relationships and help in any way I could.

Alan gave me a $1 million budget to distribute directly in ways that could help bring our community together. There were no restrictions. We’ve funded new uniforms and transportation for local sports teams, organized and supported a family Summer Kick-off, provided flowers for EPHS prom goers, supported Teacher Appreciation Week and the Back to School Bash, to name a few. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve our community. East Palestine is a special place and I’m proud that my family and I call it home.

We’ve partnered together on some big projects like the Day of Service, a long-time community staple. Working shoulder to shoulder with so many of you, making a direct impact on much-needed community efforts, was such an incredible experience. Hearing stories of previous Days of Service touched my heart in ways you’ll never know.

It was the smaller interactions though that often meant the most. Playing volleyball with our senior citizens, going to community meetings, and learning about all the different organizations that help support our Village.

My role as community liaison for NS has come to end, but my work here at home continues. I’ve moved into a new, permanent role with Norfolk Southern. I will continue my work serving the community and will be working out of the Family Assistance Center until the new NS Field Office opens on North Market Street.

I’ve been a railroader since I was 19, but over the last few months — I’ve had the chance to really get to know the company, the Village, and all of you. I realized that being in a position where I can continue to help this community is what I want to do. My title on my business card has changed, but my love for East Palestine, where I chose to raise my family, remains the same.

Until our new office opens, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and feel free to stop by the NS Family Assistance Center. This new role has a lot of overlap with the work I’ve been doing with our community, and during this transition I’ve been able to reflect on what we’ve been able to accomplish together over the past several months.

I hope I made you proud and represented East Palestine in the best way I could. I hope through my work with you all, you’ve gotten to know who Norfolk Southern is, and my colleagues. I’m so grateful for this chance to deeply connect with our community. I know I’ll be telling this story for the rest of my life.

Thank you, and I’ll see you in town.

Jeremy Vranesevich,

East Palestine