Numerous examples of Brother Bilka's commitment to safety were cited. The Altoona District was the only operating district on the division to meet that goal. While chairing various subcommittees for the Allegheny Labor and Management Organization and with an eye toward enhancing safety, Brother Bilka also worked tirelessly to improve yard lighting, road paving, dismounting pads and locomotive design. While operating a locomotive in 1974, Bilka saw a group of children crossing under trains. Since then he has consistently spread the word to driver education classes, firemen, Boy Scouts, truckers, ambulance operators, college students, senior citizens and law enforcement officers.
People recognize and respond to the genuine article.
When Rudy Bilka talks about safety, people listen, connect and react positively. Five other railroad employees were honored with Certificates of Commendation for their work in enhancing safety. The Harold F. Hammond Award, established in 1986, is awarded to an individual railroad employee who has demonstrated outstanding safety achievement during the preceding year. It is named for Harold F. Hammond, former President of the Transportation Association of America, who had served many years as chairman of the Harriman Awards selection committee.