NJ Transit Conductor Rescues Dog On Tracks, Uses Tie As Leash

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — A dog was reunited with its owner after being treated to a free trip aboard a NJ Transit train last weekend, authorities said.

According to a NJ Transit spokesperson, the crew aboard the #6923 from New York to Dover came across the lost pooch on Saturday around 1 p.m. as the train approached the station in South Orange. When the crew spotted the canine, they put out a call about a “dog on the tracks.”

After radioing dispatch to have the train stopped, conductor Howard Kempton sprinted after the furry trespasser, using his necktie to fashion a makeshift leash, authorities said.

Kempton and crew managed to get the dog onto the train, which resumed service when the animal was safely aboard. After finding a phone number on the dog’s tags, a passenger used their phone to call the wayward canine’s guardian. The handoff to a grateful owner was made at the Summit station, NJ Transit told Patch.

The good news story seemed to resonate with NJ Transit riders. Seen online:

• “I have never seen the appeal of neckties, but am glad someone finally found a sensible use for one!”
• “Rogue dog gets free fare, so sweet.”
• “Bless you for your kindness, Howard.”

Instagram user @daniellephant144 posted a photo of the incident (see below).

• See related article: PATH Conductor's 'Crazy' Announcements Causing Grins (VIDEO)

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File Photo: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock