Thank A Lineman

Today is National Lineman Appreciation Day. On this day linemen are recognized publicly in the media. I am partial to this occupation since I work in the utility industry. No I am not a lineman but I can share with you what I do know about the linemen I am privileged to work with as a team. Linemen (or often today called Line Techs) are unique and special individuals that are very passionate about their jobs. Actually, it is not just a job to them. It is a way of life. They may put their boots on like the rest of us but only if they are steel toed. They are required to wear personal protective equipment such as rubber sleeves and gloves that make working on the most humid, hottest summer days even more unbearable but working safe is priorty for them. Their jobs are often dangerous but with proper safety procedures and protection they work safely. Outages require them to leave their families during the day, night, holidays and weekends. Birthday parties, school plays, anniversay dinners and Christmas morning have been missed because that lineman was restoring power. Most people have no clue the sacrifices linemen make but their familes know. I have heard stories from family members of linemen. A daughter of a retired lineman told me that she remembers as a child her dad leaving during a big snow and not coming home for several days. There were no cell phones back then so he would call home when he was near a phone to let them know he was okay. Times have changed but spouses, children, parents and even bosses still worry when their lineman or employees are out working. I have seen: the tiredness on their faces after days of working to restore power, arriving back at the office with not a dry thread on because they were working out in a thunderstorm, their faces red and chapped from the wind and cold, hungry (not starving) because they did not take time to stop and eat. It was more important for them to get that last customer's lights on than to grab a sandwhich. I could keep listing just what I have witnessed or heard but I am certain there is much more. In my opinion, linemen give a new meaning to dedication and perseverance.  

If you know a lineman please take time to tell them thanks for all they do. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness. I am honored and proud to work with a fantasic group of dedicated linemen!! I am also privileged to have worked with linemen which are now retired and to have friends that are linemen near and far. Thank each one of you for going above and beyond keeping the lights on. The next time you experience a power outage please remember the sacrifies that others make so that we can have the luxury of flipping a switch. Thank A Lineman!

Be Safe!