I have the privilege of introducing the recipient of the Inspector of the Year Award. For those of us in the Office of Safety, this is the most important award of all, because our most important work is done out in the industry where people make safety happen. As an agency, we are known by the faces and the voices of our inspectors; and it is their character, initiative, creativity and work ethic that ultimately define our reputation among those we strive to serve. And they determine our legacy as an agency. We are now in our 14th year of presenting this award to a Railroad Safety Inspector who has made a significant impact on safety.

There are others, of course, who could be so honored in this year as in any year. But our selectee for the 2004 Inspector of the Year has distinguished himself by delving deeply into the root causes of risks facing transportation in the Northeast and by persistently pursuing solutions by constructively engaging railroads and employees.

When he investigated a very serious runaway locomotive incident, he was not content to merely document the obvious primary cause; rather, he went deeper and determined that an air check valve had been installed incorrectly, resulting in the brakes releasing. His further investigation revealed that this condition existed on an entire fleet, resulting in an important retrofit.

Bearing failures are now infrequent and often difficult to explain. When our Inspector of the Year was assigned to investigate an unusual New Jersey Transit derailment caused by such a failure, he followed through with the railroad, consultants and vendors until the problem was isolated and a remedial action program was put in place which included a bearing retrofit, wheel shop procedural changes and other improvements, including more effective training of employees.

Our Inspector of the Year understands that none of us accomplishes what we are capable of by working alone. He established a Metro-North/FRA/Labor Mechanical Department partnership that has been instrumental in resolving issues related to blue signal protection, ineffective tread brakes, and pantographs. Now peer-to-peer safety observations teams have been organized and are active in each facility. This is called leveraging safety.

We could go on, because there is more, but you get a flavor of how dedicated and effective this inspector is.

So, it gives me great pleasure to present this award to:

Peter Lapre Motive Power and Equipment Inspector Region 1

For outstanding dedication and superior accomplishment that has inspired Region 1 personnel to strive for excellence and commitment to the Federal Railroad Administration’s mission and goals.