My son, Devonne Cole, was not just a statistic - he was a  father a twin a brother to five brothers and a sister, an uncle, a grandson, and an all-around good guy with a warm heart. Tragically, he was one amongst countless others who have found themselves in the path of the train running through downtown Johnson City. On August 10th, at 1:00 a.m., while the train was barreling down the tracks at 30.6 miles an hour, his life was abruptly ended.

Downtown Johnson City is known for its bustling nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs active late into the night. This night-time activity coincides with trains passing through the city centre, creating a dangerous situation with heartbreaking outcomes like my son's. Sadly, his story is far from being the only one. Only three months after Devonne, another individual was hit.

Therefore, this petition calls on the local authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent such tragedies. We propose three primary changes: firstly, halting the train operations through downtown during the peak hours of nightlife, particularly on weekends; secondly, if completely halting operations isn't feasible, then enforcing stronger safety measures such as increased hazardous lights and protective railings where the train does pass through; finally, considering a lower speed limit for trains traveling through populated urban areas, especially during the peak hours of nightlife.

This is not just about the memory of my son or the countless victims before him. This is about ensuring our city is safe for all its residents. As such, we call on all residents of Johnson City and concerned citizens nationwide to join us in demanding that these necessary safety regulations are put into place. Sign this petition and let's save lives together.