Debbie sent a message to Joseph H. Boardman CEO, Amtrak that said:
Dear president Boardman, today I was on my work to the Downeaster in Portland Maine I am a conductor on 688/689. A lady had a stroke driving on the opposite side of the road crossed over hit the car in front on me sent him into a full spin I had pulled over and was almost stopped by that time and hit my car the push bar sent her across someones lawn into a tree. I found my cell phone in my bag turned it on and called BJ White our road Forman who is always there for us. I told him I wouldnt make my train he said he would make me off ( after asking if I was ok) and would take care of everything and to call him tomorrow to make sure in was ok. After that I shut off my phone FRA conditioning and checked on the lady that hit the tree. She was ok in shock told her to sit in my car as she was walking around than checked the governorate other car and his daughter she hit her head hard on the window I asked her name etc. If she had a nice Easter dinner she answered fine now cars are pulled over going around just a mess. So I started stopping one lane and letting cars go etc. The whole time I had on my uniform and knew i was representing the downeaster I felt everyone had confidence in me doing this until the police arrived after I got into my Amtrak bag and got out paper for people to start writing witness statements to hand to the officer. I am scheduled for block training Tuesday morning this week. I must say I felt in control and proud of all my training it was that training that helped me today in the community. Anyone who thinks we train to much is wrong these are life skills that are used to help everyday no matter where the emergency comes up. I wanted to say thank you for making me feel like I can handle any situation that arises with confidence. A long with a thank you for BJ White in portland even on Easter answered my call as he is a rock for our crew base. Best wishes for many years to come as our Amtrak President Debbie
