28 Years and counting: Gabriel Chavez’s dedication keeps trains moving
By EUNICE ARCHILA
Staff writer
One of 11 children, Gabriel Chavez was inspired by his father to pursue a railroad career. His father worked for Southern Pacific Railroad (SP) for 30 years as a carman. Chavez recognized that the income, job security and benefits afforded his parents and family a comfortable life.
"I wanted to be just like my dad," Chavez said. "He taught me about work ethic, being responsible and always taking pride in whatever you do. My grandfather on my mom's side worked for the SP too. He got my dad a job with SP in 1971.”
Following in his father’s footsteps, a 22-year-old Chavez joined BNSF in 1996 as an assistant signalman. Three years later, he successfully bid for a position as a signal maintainer.
As a signal maintainer based out of Hanford, California, he’s part of our Engineering team that inspects, maintains and repairs signal systems, plus crossings, switches and wayside detectors.
Over the years he’s learned that his father gave him sound advice. Working on the railroad isn't a traditional office job. It means enduring the cold, the heat and middle-of-the-night or weekend calls -- whatever’s needed because the freight has to keep moving.
"Dad told me to be prepared for getting up early, staying up late, working 24/7 if need be to keep the trains moving," he said. "And that's what I did. I knew what I was signing up for."
Chavez instills those same lessons with his children. Eric, 20, is currently attending the University of California-Berkeley and is a recipient of a $10,000 BNSF Railway Foundation scholarship award.
Family is what drives Chavez to work hard and safe, especially in the summer. On 100-plus degree days, he prepares by wearing long-sleeve shirts, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sunblock, and he drinks a lot of water.
“I try to get out there early,” he said. “If I know I have a big workload, I'm there first thing in the morning trying to get my track and time (permission to safely occupy track) to complete my crossing and switch inspections.”
A typical day for a signal maintainer begins with a team conference call to review what needs to be done and how to do it safely. Then they ensure their PPE and work vehicles are in working order and supplies are stocked before they head to the track to work. Some days, Chavez inspects multiple crossings and switches.
“The railroad is constantly changing,” he said. “A lot of the things that I worked on 28 years ago have been upgraded to newer technologies. Just when you’ve got something mastered, it’s upgraded -- but that’s OK because it keeps the wheels spinning. I also like to remind folks that even if you’re comfortable with your job, don’t get complacent. That’s how people get hurt.”
Chavez was recently recognized as one of our Employees of the Year for 2023.
“We had multiple atmospheric rivers that hit the Bakersfield Subdivision at Angiola causing extreme flooding and miles of track to be under water,” he said. “I was part of a team that worked multiple months round the clock assisting in repairing the signal system. Railroading is hard work, but all the perks and benefits make it all worth it. I am proud to be a railroader for BNSF.”
