The SEPTA Fern Rock Maintenance Facility was a site of warmth, family, fun and fierce yet friendly competition when the Rail Rodeo rolled through on Saturday, October 17 after a two-year absence.
Operator teams began their competition bright and early. They put their skills on display on the B tracks in front of judges who tested them on everything from uniform checks to handling tricky customer service situations. Maintenance competitors completed the bulk of their challenges on Friday, October 16 at Wayne Junction and eagerly awaited the announcement of the winners on Saturday.
Volunteers turned the maintenance facility into a festival-like atmosphere complete with family-friendly activities like face painting, pumpkin carving, and a “Masked Singer” competition inspired by the popular reality show.
SEPTA AGM of Operations Frank Brandis announced the winners at end the day.
Taking first place for Maintenance were the “Wrench Wranglers”: Mechanic ALBERT A GALASSO (Overbrook), Electrician BRYCE A PURSELL (Wayne), and Equipment Repairer Daniel MacMichael (Victory).
Electronic Technician EDWARD J TONER, Electronic Maintainer AARYN K THOMPSON, and Electronic Maintainer @BRIAN M RINGENARY of Woodland finished in second place.
Frazer’s team of Electronic Technician Andrew J. Heitmann, Electronic Technician Shawn Ryan, and Mechanic JAMES H PASS III finished third.
Taking first place in the Operations Competition were Fern Rock Yard Motor Operator MAXWELL J SHEIN and B Operator TERRINE S HAYNES. B Operators DARICK K IRVIN and WALTER R MARION III took second place and B Operators JOHN H FURLOW V and ANTHONY BLAKE finished third.
Congrats to all our particpants and thank you to everyone who attended!