Electricity travels along an intricate network of wires and poles to power our homes and businesses. Most of the time, it’s a seamless journey, but occasionally, the path of electricity is disrupted by obstacles like fallen tree branches, animals or car accidents. When that happens, Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative’s lineworkers are ready to restore that connection no matter the weather or time of day.
We couldn’t carry out our mission without the daily dedication of our line crews. It’s a demanding job on the front line of our co-op that often requires working around the clock in challenging conditions to serve our members and communities. They are first responders who get us through some of our darkest hours. We count on them to power our lives, day in and day out.
TVEC Lineman Brandon Bittinger practices hurt-man rescue—a lifesaving skill for bringing a debilitated coworker from the top of a pole. Lineman must be able to get into their climbing gear and bring down the training dummy within four minutes.
Don Johnson
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association officially acknowledged the tireless efforts of this talented group with this 2014 resolution:
Whereas linemen leave their families and put their lives on the line every day to keep the power on;
Whereas linemen work 365 days a year under dangerous conditions to build, maintain and repair the electric infrastructure;
Whereas linemen are the first responders of the electric cooperative family, getting power back on and making things safe for all after storms and accidents; and
Whereas there would be no electric cooperatives without the brave men and women who comprise our corps of linemen;
Therefore be it resolved that NRECA recognize the second Monday of April of each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day and make available to electric cooperatives materials and support to recognize the contributions of these valuable men and women to America’s electric cooperatives.
We proudly join with NRECA and cooperatives across the country to honor lineworkers and show our appreciation and respect for the service they provide for our members.
TVEC’s lineworkers, as well as those from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition. We invite our members to take a moment to thank a lineworker for the work they do. Leave a message for them on our Facebook page and use the hashtag #ThankALineman to show your support for the men and women who light our lives.
