Robert Nelson, owner of I Fix Computers in DeFuniak Springs, was concerned when he noticed a large defect in one of the rails that carry train cars daily. After a recent derailment in Milton, Nelson believed something needed to be done and fast. Nelson took photos of the damaged rail, near Crescent and Baldwin Avenue, and contacted the DeFuniak Springs Police to find out exactly who to give the information to. An Officer reviewed the photos and immediately passed it on to CSX for evaluation. CSX personnel recognized the seriousness of the defect and rapidly sent a crew to replace the section of damaged rail.
Nelson said that he was able to sleep better now knowing that the track was fixed. Chief Mark Weeks said “It is members of our community like Robert Nelson that help keep us safe. A derailment in that location of DeFuniak Springs could have been catastrophic. This was prevented thanks to Mr. Nelson.”