Kenly Officers Promote Railroad Safety One Lollipop At A Time

KENLY, N.C. — There were plenty of smiles around Kenly on Wednesday, but behind every lollipop handed out by local police officers was an important safety message that could one day save a life.

The Kenly Police Department partnered with Operation Lifesaver North Carolina on June 24 to observe Emergency Notification System (ENS) Sign Awareness Day, educating residents about the blue-and-white emergency signs posted at railroad crossings throughout town.

Kenly Police officers, known affectionately for the event as “Lollipop Cops,” distributed candy and educational materials while encouraging conversations about railroad safety.

For a community where trains pass through town every day, Police Chief James Ayers said understanding the purpose of the blue ENS signs is something every motorist should know.

“These signs aren’t just another piece of railroad equipment,” Ayers said. “They provide critical information that can help first responders and railroad officials quickly locate a crossing during an emergency. If someone remembers what that sign is for because of a conversation with one of our officers, we’ve accomplished our mission.”

Every public railroad crossing is equipped with a blue Emergency Notification System sign displaying a railroad emergency telephone number and a unique crossing identification number. If a vehicle becomes stuck on the tracks, a crossing gate malfunctions, debris blocks the rails, or another hazardous situation occurs, residents should immediately move everyone away from the tracks, call the emergency number listed on the sign, provide the crossing identification number, and then call 911. That information allows railroad officials to quickly identify the exact crossing and warn or stop approaching trains.

Ayers said the outreach effort reflects the department’s commitment to community policing as much as public safety.

“We’re proud to serve the Friendly Town of Kenly,” Ayers said. “Sometimes the best way to teach an important lesson is with a simple conversation and a smile. We want people to know we’re here to help, and we want them to leave those conversations knowing something that could protect themselves or someone they love.”

Police also remind motorists to never drive around lowered crossing gates, never stop on railroad tracks, and always expect a train at any crossing. Trains cannot stop quickly, making it essential for drivers and pedestrians to remain alert whenever crossing the tracks.

The department hopes residents who received a lollipop Wednesday will also remember the most important takeaway: those small blue signs at railroad crossings could prove invaluable during an emergency.

“Together, we are building a safer, stronger, and friendlier Kenly…one lollipop at a time,” Chief Ayers said.