Brother Inclima’s resume is prodigious. By that, we mean, it is difficult to know where to even begin reciting the accolades. Brother Rick has done more to protect the safety of railroaders at the state and federal level than many could even recognize. It’s an unassuming job, advocating over rail safety regulations, heading up “working groups” and “task forces,” representing labor in federal rulemaking proceedings and advisory committees. But Brother Rick is nothing if not modest. We don’t have to be as humble today. No disrespect to our other Brothers in Washington, D.C., but Brother Rick Inclima was the most important and significant advocate for rail labor and railroad worker safety on Capitol Hill, bar none.

Brother Rick Inclima began his career as a trackman on Penn Central Railroad in New Haven, Conn. in 1975, transferring to Amtrak Northeast Corridor in 1976 where he worked as a welding foreman for 15 years. He was elected Secretary-Treasurer and Local Chairman for BMWED Lodge 1718 in 1984, and later elected as Secretary-Treasurer and Vice General Chairman of the Northeast System Federation-BMWE, positions he held until accepting his full-time appointment with the BMWED National Union in 1991. Prior to being appointed Director of Safety, he held the positions of Staff Assistant, Director of Education, Administrative Assistant to the President, and Director of Communication for the National Union. He “hangs up the boots” at close of business today.

All of us — every Brother, Sister, officer, appointee, any and every one ever associated with the BMWED — wishes Rick Inclima the happiest and longest of retirements. Enjoy it, Brother. We will miss you.