Meet 3 Outstanding Winners of the 2026 Northern Plains Awards
Left to Right: Joey Cooper – Gerald Miller Award, Cheryl Harlow – Byron “Barney” Olsen Award, Tyler Almen – Robert Irwin Award
At Northern Plains Rail Services, we’re proud to celebrate the dedication, integrity, and craftsmanship that keep our industry moving forward. This year, our 2026 Northern Plains Railroad Awards honor three remarkable individuals – Joey Cooper, Cheryl Harlow, and Tyler Almen – whose commitment to excellence reflects the very best of our team and community.
BYRON D. “BARNEY” OLSEN AWARD
This award recognizes a distinguished member of the Northern Plains family of companies in the United States or Canada who has devoted more than twenty years of service to the railway industry.
The recipient exemplifies the enduring values demonstrated by Byron D. “Barney” Olsen – longtime board member, dedicated railroader, and respected leader known for his innovation, integrity, and teamwork. Through their continued commitment to excellence, they have made significant contributions to their craft and to the advancement of the rail industry.
Like Barney, this individual is deeply respected by colleagues, customers, and the broader rail community.
ROBERT F. IRWIN AWARD
This award honors the legacy of Robert F. Irwin, the first Vice President of Operations at Northern Plains Railroad in 1997.
It is presented to an employee who exemplifies integrity both at work and in their personal life, demonstrates dedication to their community, and is known for being supportive, loyal, and safety-minded in the workplace.
The recipient of this award embodies the principles and values that Mr. Irwin believed were essential to living and working with purpose and integrity.
GERALD MILLER AWARD
This award honors the memory of Gerald Miller, whose lifelong dedication to the railroad industry – and to the Track Construction and Maintenance of Way Departments of Northern Plains Rail Services – left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
At a young age, Gerald began his railroad career with the Soo Line Railroad. He later worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad and ultimately for Northern Plains Railroad, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2013.
Gerald’s craftsmanship, strong work ethic, and unwavering respect for his coworkers exemplified the pride and integrity that define our industry. The recipient of this award reflects those same values of commitment, excellence, and respect that Gerald demonstrated throughout his life-long career.
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