If you were asked to associate an image or a person with North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, I bet you would picture a lineman. 1 of the most visible employees of the co-op, linemen work tirelessly to ensure our community receives uninterrupted power 24 hours, 7 days a week.
“Lineman” is listed as one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. This is understandable as they perform detailed tasks near high-voltage power lines. Regardless of the time of day, having to brave stormy weather and other challenging conditions, linemen must climb 40 feet in the air, often carrying heaving equipment to get the job done.
“We want to thank our linemen here at North East Power. They work in a changing industry and must understand the system and technology we have in place. It’s much more than climbing poles and stringing wire, and we are proud our guys do it with safety as their first concern,” said Keith Hayward, CEO/general manager.
Being a lineman is not a glamorous or easy profession. It takes years of specialized training, ongoing education, dedication, and equally important, a sense of service and commitment. How else can you explain the willingness to leave their families to tackle a challenging job in difficult conditions, when most are sheltering comfortably at home? This dedication and sense of service to the community is truly what sets them apart. That’s why the nation sets aside April 18 to celebrate and recognize the men and women who work around the clock to keep the lights on.
“We have a very good workforce here at North East Power. I especially want to thank our team for doing all they do for our members at all hours of the day and night — and following the safety procedures we have in place, so everyone gets to go home when the storm is over,” said Hayward.
Our dedicated and beloved linemen are proud to represent North East Power, and they deserve all the appreciation and accolades that come their way on Lineman Appreciation Day and every other day. We treated our linemen to lunch and acknowledged them throughout the month of April. Next time you see a lineman, I hope you’ll join me in thanking them for their service.