Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) President and CEO Joyce Rose announced that Melvin Jones, who has been Virginia Operation Lifesaver State Coordinator since 2005, has been named Operation Lifesaver Coordinator for the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, with responsibility for coordinating Operation Lifesaver programs in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
“Melvin’s leadership of Virginia Operation Lifesaver has resulted in expanded safety partnerships with the law enforcement, trucking, and transit communities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Rose. “With recent incidents calling attention to the potentially catastrophic impact of crossing collisions, and the upcoming expansion of public transit options in the District of Columbia, Melvin will work with volunteers in D.C., Maryland and Virginia to raise awareness of the importance of safety around tracks and trains.”
Jones was recognized for his work with Operation Lifesaver earlier this month by Virginia Governor McConnell at a luncheon honoring the state’s nonprofit leaders. Before becoming state coordinator with Virginia Operation Lifesaver, he spent 30 years as a law enforcement officer and executive level administrator with the city of Petersburg Bureau of Police and Virginia State University’s Department of Police & Public safety. He is an alumnus of Virginia State University and North Carolina State University, with degrees in criminal justice and public administration/executive development.
“As rail freight, passenger, commuter and transit operations continue to increase, our Operation Lifesaver state programs will continue to encourage the public to ‘See tracks, think train,’” said Rose.
