James Blackmon

• Received daily delivery instructions and route assignments from dispatch.
• Ensured accurate completion of all paperwork associated with deliveries.
• Inspected delivery vehicle to ensure optimal safety and performance prior to each trip.
• Loaded, secured, and unloaded cargo in a safe and timely manner.
• Maintained accurate records of goods delivered and collected payments as required.
• Adhered to all applicable traffic laws while driving delivery vehicle.
• Communicated regularly with dispatch regarding any delays or issues encountered on routes.
• Provided excellent customer service by answering inquiries about products or services being delivered.

• Demonstrated knowledge of store products and services.
• Assisted customers with finding the right product for their needs.
• Provided product information and answered customer questions.
• Stocked shelves with merchandise according to company standards.
• Organized displays to attract customers and promote sales.
• Tracked inventory levels throughout the day and restocked items as needed.

• Supervised staff of officers and other personnel within the department.
• Conducted daily patrol duties with K9 partner, including tracking and apprehending suspects.
• Maintained detailed records of all activities related to the K9 unit, such as training exercises and deployments.
• Developed specialized tactics for responding to dangerous situations involving explosive devices or firearms.
• Instructed other officers on proper protocol when engaging in law enforcement operations with a K9 partner.
• Responded to emergency calls involving criminal activity or hazardous materials that required the assistance of a certified police canine unit.
• Responded quickly to requests from other units requiring support from a certified police canine team.
• Monitored and investigated suspicions persons and situations and unusual activities.
• Wrote detailed arrest and accident reports.

In 1974 I went to work for Missouri Pacific RR as a brakeman & promoted to conductor a year later. After approximately 6 months I went into engine service. I was a student engineer & was promoted to a full service engineer. As a conductor I switched yards & made up outbound trains. I was a yardmaster in Taylor, Texas for over a year. I switched cars, laced air, changed air hose gaskets & anything else that needed to be done on preparing the train for the outbound crew. On the road as a conductor I handled paperwork for all set outs & pick ups at different locations. I also had to carry a few knuckles with help from another crew member in those days when the train would come in two. As an engineer I did a lot of yard switching & road work. I hostled a lot of locomotives in the yard from train to fuel pits. I would fuel & sand the engines & put them back on the outbound train. The engines I ran over the road were GP7's, GP9's, GP18's in the early days with 24 RL braking. They were replaced with GP38's, GP50's & later SD40's & SD45's with 26L braking systems. My favorite locomotive was SD40-2. My father, brother, uncle & his son were also engineers for Missouri Pacific & later Union Pacific. I ran a lot of SW12 & SW15's in Freeport on DOW Chemical jobs. The SD70's were coming on board after the big furlough in 1982. Unfortunately, I was one of the very many that didn't make it through & not able to hang on. Several years past before any of my seniority group were called back. It was too late for me at that time. Time has passed but the locomotives are the same that you run today on the Blackland Railroad. I am still quite capable of switching cars, as Conductor or Engineer. If you would give me a chance at the job I will do a good job for you.