Ripley’s Red Train Driver Wins Prestigious Corporate Award

St. Augustine, Fla. (March 3, 2016) – Ripley’s Red Train Tours of St. Augustine, Florida are pleased to congratulate Red Train driver Brendan “Smokey” Chamberlain as the recipient of the Jim Pattison Group Personal Achievement Award.

The Jim Pattison Group proudly employs over 39,000 people worldwide. Out of these, three from each company-owned business are selected for the prestigious award. In order to be considered for the award, an individual must show high standards, exemplary guest service standards and outstanding service to a business and its guests.

Mr. Chamberlain came to the Red Trains after retiring from the New York City Police Department where he served his city from 1997 – 2005. Following the 9/11 attacks, he served as a supply coordinator at ground zero assisting in getting necessary supplies to aide rescue workers. “Smokey” also earned his nickname during this time. He was downtown on foot when he heard a call that a young boy was trapped on an upper floor in a fire. He rushed to the scene where he had someone boost him up to a fire escape and he crawled into the window. He was able to save the boy, but the fire intensified and he found himself trapped. Eventually he was rescued, but suffered from smoke inhalation and other related conditions and was henceforth known to his friends and
co-workers as Smokey.

Smokey began his career in acting taking on roles as a regular extra on the TV show “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose,” between 1990 and 1993. Mr. Chamberlain joined the Red Trains in April of 2014 and has been a huge guest favorite. He receives rave reviews on Trip Advisor and is widely known by our guests for his “Smokey Extras” on his tour.

Media Contacts

Kim Kiff
904-824-1606
dee@ripleys.com