July 8, 2026 – CSX marked the opening of our new Hazardous Materials Training Institute on June 30 at the Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Fire Academy of the South. The facility provides hands-on training for emergency responders, railroad personnel, and public safety partners, reinforcing CSX’s commitment to safety and community partnerships.
 
CSX President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Angel recently toured the newly constructed facility with members of the company’s Senior Leadership Team. During the visit, Angel met with FSCJ leadership, addressed the inaugural class, and toured the outdoor training environment supported by CSX’s investment.
 
“We’re proud that this institute supports a full range of training, from foundational awareness to emerging tools like drone-assisted incident management,” Angel said. “Safety doesn’t begin when something happens. It begins long before that — through preparation, disciplined execution, and the relationships we build with partners like FSCJ and first responders.”
 
The institute was developed through a long-term partnership between CSX and FSCJ. The site includes 1,200 feet of track, freight and tank cars, specialized training props, and scenario-based learning environments that replicate real-world rail conditions.
 
These features allow emergency responders and railroad personnel to practice response techniques in settings that closely mirror actual incidents, strengthening individual skills and coordinated agency response.
 
The institute launched its programming with the inaugural course, “Railroad Operations for Emergency Managers.” The course combined classroom instruction with immersive exercises designed to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities across agencies.
 
The institute expands access to high-quality, rail-focused training and advances CSX’s broader safety mission. The facility creates lasting value through education, preparedness, and community investment, helping first responders across the region respond with speed and confidence.

Watch the video to hear from Angel about the value the institute brings to CSX’s rail emergency response training.