West Chicago Contact:
Sgt. Leo Aviles                                     West Chicago Police Dept.
325Spencer Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
Telephone:  (630) 293-2222
Email:laviles@westchicago.org

West Chicago Police Support Operation Lifesaver

West Chicago, Illinois: May 23, 2007 - Since its founding in 1972, Operation Lifesaver has been dedicated to ending tragic collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail grade crossings and on railroad rights of way. As an international, non-profit education and awareness program, Operation Lifesaver works to make communities safer.

West Chicago Police have taken a pro-active approach to this initiative with the help of a grant from Operation Lifesaver. Officer Tony Quarto and Sergeant Leo Aviles are certified Operation Lifesaver presenters and will provide free presentations on railroad safety to any size group. They have passed out safety brochures to hundreds of citizens at Kautz Road and Washington Street and purchased two wide-screen TV's to promote railroad safety in West Chicago's Metra station and the Police Department. They have also become involved in a railroad safety poster contest at the West Chicago Middle School. 

"The need for education is critical in order to save lives," said Sgt. Aviles. "Many people don't know that it is against the law to walk on railroad property which could result in a fine of not less than $150, or for motorists to proceed before the bells and lights are off and the gate is completely up which could cost them a minimum of $250. But more importantly, people need to know the real danger to life and limb that can result from disregarding railroad safety."

Anyone interested in receiving further information about Operation Lifesaver, or to schedule a free group presentation, should contact Officer Quarto or Sergeant Aviles at (630) 293-2222.

###