Keolis We Care Award Presented to Haverhill Boy Who Reported Downed Tree

Keolis Commuter Services, the MBTA’s partner that operates the commuter rail, presented Jesse DiChiara of Haverhill with a Keolis We Care ambassador award for his dedication to his community and the safety of others. 

Following the recent storm on September 30 that brought heavy winds and rain, 11-year-old DiChiara observed a downed tree on the tracks near the Bradford commuter rail station. He raced home on his bicycle and with his grandfather the two went to the nearby train station to alert the train crew.

“Our teams regularly monitor the network with visual inspections and through drone technology to identify hazards that need to be cleared, especially during severe weather,” said Manuel Machado, director of occupational safety for KCS. “In addition to these methods, we encourage residents who live on the network to report any issues they see. Jessie’s actions should be an example to others because he helped avoid a potential incident and ensure the safety of the passengers on board the train.”

Machado met Jesse and his grandfather, Ed DiChiara, today at the Bradford Station to present the boy with a certificate and to thank him for reporting the downed tree and for his commitment to helping others. Following the presentation, the group boarded the 3:32 p.m. inbound train. While on the commuter rail train, Jesse spoke to the conductor, received a tour of the various coach cars and rode in the engineer’s cab.

KCS crews were prepped ahead of this storm that bought nearly three inches of rain and wind gusts of 65 mph. More than 400 Keolis employees were on hand to help clear 53 fallen trees, several downed wires and debris that covered the tracks. Thanks to Jesse’s quick thinking and action, these KCS crews were dispatched to clear the downed tree near the Bradford Station.

Residents who live near train tracks are encouraged to report downed trees or other issues to Keolis at 617-222-3200. Trespassing on the tracks, such as walking, is prohibited and dangerous.

Keolis We Care awards are presented to individuals who positively impact their community. Recently, two students from the Fitzgerald Institute in Northborough received We Care awards for their initiative to help keep their community clean.