Head Brakeman David Ian Farris

Brakeman Farris, 30, was employed as a brakeman by the UP on May 25, 1973. He had not been promoted. Farris had worked in yard and train service, and at the time of the accident he was regularly assigned to the Cheyenne-Rawlins freight pool. Farris passed a company physical examination on November 30, 1977, and he was last examined on the operating rules when he was hired. He was not restricted in any way.

Farris' service record indicates he was disciplined four times during 1974 and 1975 while working as a yard switchman. He twice received 30 demerits for minor rules infractions, followed by a 30-day deferred suspension for responsibility in the collision of cars being handled by his crew. On May 23, 1975, Farris was dismissed following a collision between his locomotive and a car. At the time, he was the foreman of the crew involved. Farris was reinstated August 11, 1975, and had a clear record thereafter.

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Conductor Richard Eugene Mahlman

Conductor Mahlman, 33, was employed as a brakeman by the UP on November 30, 1966, but worked only briefly in that capacity before being furloughed. He rejoined the UP as an assistant signalman on February 2, 1972, and on January 22, 1973, transferred to the Operating the Operating Department as a switchman/brakeman. Mahlman was promoted to conductor on October 21, 1976, and since that time had worked regularly in freight service between Cheyenne and Rawlins. He passed a company physical examination on June 20, 1974, and was last examined on the operating rules at the time of his promotion. Mahlman was not restricted in any way. Mr. Mahlman's service record indicates he was twice assessed 30 demerits for minor rules infractions in 1974 and 1977.

Engineer Virgil Paul Sawicki

Engineer Sawicki, 49, was employed as a clerk/engine dispatcher by the UP on May 21, 1952. Thereafter he worked various clerical assignments until July 8, 1976, when he entered engine service as a fireman. He completed the UP's Engineer Training Program and was qualified as an engineer in road and yard service on the Cheyenne-Rawlins territory on November 15, 1976. He passed a company physical examination on January 30, 1979, and was last examined on the operating rules on July 28, 1976. He was not restricted in any way.

Sawicki's service record indicates he had been assessed 30 demerits on three occasions for failure to comply with an "advance approach" aspect in 1977, and for twice failing to secure locomotive units against undesired movement during

Rear Brakeman James Douglas Smith

Brakeman Smith, 28, was first employed as a brakeman by the UP on September 21, 1978. He was not promoted and had worked yard and train service assignments between Cheyenne and Rawlins as needed. Smith passed a company physical examination and was examined on the operating rules when he was employed. He was not restricted in any way and he had not been cited for any infractions of the rules.

Head Brakeman Kirk Dayton Pierson

Brakeman Pierson, 21, was first employed as a student brakeman by the UP on January 2, 1979. He was assigned as a brakeman to the Cheyenne-Rawlins extra board on March 24, 1979, and was working his first assignment on a road freight train at the time of the accident. Prior to being employed by UP, Mr. Pierson had 3 1/2 years service as a brakeman and extra conductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.

Pierson passed a physical examination when he was hired and was examined on the operating rules on January 20, 1979. He was not restricted in any way.