Joseph Fitzer
Howe,OK
Summary
Highly experienced Locomotive Engineer with a successful history at Kansas City Southern Railway, adept in optimizing train movements and ensuring operational efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in railroad signaling and exceptional proficiency in safety regulations. Known for maintaining composure in high-risk situations, showcasing leadership and a commitment to safety, resulting in a significant reduction of on-site incidents. I had a successful & very enjoyable time KCS while there, also at Farmrail, it was just too far away from my kids. I was a successful correctional officer for 3 years, but it wasn’t for me & my heart was in railroading. At Fort Smith Railroad I had a large role along with the Midwest operations manager in helping develop plans & helping insure a smooth transition from parent company Pioneer Lines to Patriot Rail. Ultimately I had to leave Fort Smith Railroad for personal reasons.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Locomotive Engineer
Fort Smith Railroad
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Coordinated with yardmasters to ensure the efficient movement of trains within rail yards, optimizing space utilization and minimizing delays.
- Inspected locomotives before and after runs.
- Operated locomotives to transport freight and other materials.
- Examined locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water and other supplies before each run.
Correctional Officer
Oklahoma Department Of Corrections
08.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
Locomotive Engineer
Farmrail System
12.2018 - 08.2019
- Coordinated with yardmasters to ensure the efficient movement of trains within rail yards, optimizing space utilization and minimizing delays.
- Inspected locomotives before and after runs.
- Operated locomotives to transport freight and other materials.
- Examined locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water and other supplies before each run.
Locomotive Engineer
Kansas City Southern Railway
06.2004 - 10.2017
- Coordinated with yardmasters to ensure the efficient movement of trains within rail yards, optimizing space utilization and minimizing delays.
- Inspected locomotives before and after runs.
- Operated locomotives to transport freight and other materials.
- Examined locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water and other supplies before each run.
Education
HS Diploma - General Studies
Heavener High School
Heavener, OK05.1999
Skills
- Safety rules and regulations
- Train control systems
- Railroad signaling understanding
- Two-way communication device use
Certification
Locomotive Engineer certification.
Class 1, Class 3 & small short line experience
Class 1 Conductor qualification
Currently in class to acquire my CDL Class A certification to include Hazardous Materials endorsement.
Very mechanically inclined since I was young, due to my father having a wrecker service & garage which I worked at from ages 8-20.
Very personable & good with people/general public.
Side note: I live in Howe, and I’ve always wanted to work for AOK. I love old railroad history & it’s always been so interesting to me that this was part of the old Choctaw route, which I also worked on parts of from Sayre, OK to Weatherford, OK.
Timeline
Locomotive Engineer
Fort Smith Railroad
08.2022 - 10.2024
Correctional Officer
Oklahoma Department Of Corrections
08.2019 - 12.2021
Locomotive Engineer
Farmrail System
12.2018 - 08.2019
Locomotive Engineer
Kansas City Southern Railway
06.2004 - 10.2017
Locomotive Engineer certification.
Class 1, Class 3 & small short line experience
Class 1 Conductor qualification
Currently in class to acquire my CDL Class A certification to include Hazardous Materials endorsement.
Very mechanically inclined since I was young, due to my father having a wrecker service & garage which I worked at from ages 8-20.
Very personable & good with people/general public.
Side note: I live in Howe, and I’ve always wanted to work for AOK. I love old railroad history & it’s always been so interesting to me that this was part of the old Choctaw route, which I also worked on parts of from Sayre, OK to Weatherford, OK.
HS Diploma - General Studies
Heavener High School
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