LINEMAN APPRECIATION WEEK - Lineman Are Heroes

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Jun 09 2021 1:35 PM

ALABAMA:      Lineman's Appreciation Day was this past Monday. 

While Donnie Chesteen was Alabama State Representative he introduced legislation designating the first Monday in June as Lineman's Appreciation Day.

This is a day set aside to honor the men and women who serve the communities with electrical utilities.

When we flip the switch in our homes and businesses we expect the lights to come in. We expect the place to be cool because the air conditioners were on when we left the night before. When that does not happen we can be some of the most impatient people you have ever seen.

It is the men and women who are in the field, on the utility poles, in the bucket trucks making that happen. Can you visualize 40 mile an hour winds and these men and women in bucket trucks during the rain connecting power so we are comfortable?

As former Chairman of the City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board    (  911 Board ) I considered, and still consider, the lineman and utilities as first responders.

On Tuesday a major structure fire on Lucy Grade Road in Houston County, another structure fire in Geneva County. When these fires happen the utility lineman responding and cutting the power is very important for the firefighters in fighting the fire. The Houston County fire, the Wiregrass Electric Co-Op lineman was quick on the scene and made it safe for the fireman to fight the fire.

Wiregrass Electric and Dothan Utilities are very responsive to emergencies when called. Alabama Power needs to work on their response. Pea River Electric, recently dealt with them in Henry County, there were AWESOME.

Wiregrass Electric goes above and beyond when they are called. The entire staff is very friendly and customer service oriented. The management, Les and Brad, the board and entire staff from top to bottom are always willing to help. When called no one has ever treated the customers as an interruption to their work but as the purpose of their work.

While you lineman do not get the appreciation that you deserve, you are first responder heroes in my mind. Because we expect to be comfortable, fireman expect to be safe, and you always have our backs.

THANK YOU for what you do.

During Hurricane Michael in the edge of Florida a lineman lost his life while working to restore power. It is a dangerous job. Houston County Commissioner D-2 Doug Sinquefield traveled to Florida and represented Houston County at the Celebration of Life Services for this lineman. Commissioner Sinquefield realizes the importance of the service these men and women do for the entire area. That day he wanted to show his respect for someone he did not know but respect for what he did for the community, even though he was in Florida.

In conversations with Commissioner Sinquefield on several occasions, as we have talked about first responders, he agrees the lineman are first responders and a very important part of the emergency network.

Again, can not say enough good about these men and women.

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