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For Electric Cooperative Members
Medina EC News

Thank a Lineman

A message from CEO Herbert “Trey” Grebe III

I’ve been in the industry a while now—35 years to be exact. Throughout this time, it never ceases to amaze me to see the hard work linemen and the team behind your power do to keep your lights on. Our team wants the same thing that you want—to know that when you flip that light switch, there is, in fact, light.

linemen photos and how long they have worked for they co-op

At Medina Electric Cooperative, we have 127 employees who work together to provide reliable and safe electricity. Among the most visible employees are the lineworkers who work tirelessly to ensure our members receive uninterrupted power 24 / 7. This month we want to highlight the team that puts their lives on the lines to power our lives.

Line work is one of the most dangerous professions in the U.S., requiring detailed tasks while in close contact with high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, in stormy weather or other challenging conditions, linemen must perform work 40 feet in the air, often carrying heavy equipment, to get the job done.

And yet line work isn’t glamorous. The job requires years of specialized training, ongoing education and dedication. Equally important for linemen at co-ops—and what sets them apart—is a deeply held sense of service to our members and commitment to the community. That’s why co-ops set aside the second Monday in April each year to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on.

linemen photos and how long they have worked for they co-op

The linemen may be the most visible employees at Medina EC, but equally critical is the team of highly skilled professionals working behind the scenes.

Engineers provide ongoing expertise and guidance on the operations side of the co-op. Member service representatives are always standing by to take your calls and questions. Our information technology experts continually monitor our system to help safeguard sensitive data. And these are just a few of the folks who work together to ensure we can deliver the service and reliability you expect and deserve. Without them, our linemen wouldn’t be able to light up our community.

Our dedicated and beloved linemen are proud to represent Medina EC, and they deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineman Appreciation Day.

On April 11, and any time you see a lineman, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their exceptional service. I also hope you’ll remember that you have a dedicated team of professionals working at the co-op whose commitment to service runs just as deep. We are all committed to exceed member expectations in everything we do.

Until next time,
Trey Grebe