Page 9 - May 2021 Track N Times

Spotlight—SPS Operations

Brian Fuqua is a Machine Operator-3 and is currently working

on SPS 6003. Brian joined Grex back on April 6, 2015.

Tell me a about the SPS machines and the job you’ve held there?
Well I started on slots trains. Loading and unloading ballast
and RIP. After two years I moved over to be a SPS operating
technician. Back then you went to BNSF train school to be-
come a Certified Short Line Train Engineer. That was a re-
quirement to run the SPS.

How long you’ve been with the SPS machines? I’ve been with
them for 4 years now.

What is your favorite thing about being on the SPS machines? I
would have to say it is always something different to be done.
It’s anything from ditching to busting rail and pick up, to tie
set out or tie pickup. It’s also much more.

Where is your hometown? Rossville, Georgia

What is the best thing about your hometown? My friends and
family are there.

What do you like to do when you are on time off? I enjoy golfing, building, or fixing everything. And of course, the
honey do list!

What do you miss most when you’re away from home? EVERYTHING! I miss a lot of birthdays and a lot of holiday cele-
brations and my three grandbabies milestones.

What’s your favorite memory from this past year at work? Keeping the lights on at home.

What’s your favorite memory on your own time? Golfing in Prince George, BC Canada, I got a hole in 1.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise your co-workers? I am a four-time Jiujitsu tournament champion.

How do you like to pass time when you get a day off? Golf is one of my favorite sports, along with darts and training, so
I like to golf when possible. I also enjoy movies.

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