I’ve spent most of my adult life in elected office, first as the County Clerk of Jefferson Davis County in Mississippi and eventually representing that state’s 4th Congressional District in the in the U.S. House of Representatives. There are upsides of making a living in public service. For me those were supporting investment in my community, helping constituents in difficult circumstances, and contributing to common sense public policies that had bipartisan support. And yes, recognition in my community was an occasional perk.
But there are a lot of Americans who serve our cities and towns every day, who don’t get the thanks or the recognition they rightly deserve. In this case, I am speaking about line workers, who are the men and women that maintain our electric grid. You know, the tradesmen who go up on power poles and put themselves in harm’s way to ensure we have reliable electricity 24/7/365.
I know a lot about this subject matter, because my son is a lineman working for an electric cooperative in Mississippi. This family connection also means, that I know the level of professionalism and commitment that these workers bring to their jobs.
Make no mistake about it, being a lineman is a risky profession. Often times, these workers are sent out on jobs to restore electricity during severe weather events. That means they are climbing wet and slippery electrical poles high in the air, often with strong winds and have to deal with all of the elements. Indeed, every year, linemen are injured and even killed performing this dangerous vocation. Thankfully, these events are rare.
But the deeply held commitment these linemen have for workplace safety is something to behold. I know my son, and the people who work with him, are very serious about their safety and the wellbeing of everyone around them and the communities they serve. Let me assure you they take this responsibility very solemnly.
But ultimately, line workers prioritize ensuring the customers they serve have electricity – this comes above their own personal comfort. These linemen are keenly aware that many Americans rely on electricity for their wellbeing. This is especially true for vulnerable folks who need uninterrupted electricity to operate medical devices like breathing assistance pumps and dialysis machines.
This is not even to mention the general health benefits of being with air conditioning during a scorching day or on a stiflingly hot night. Without question, air conditioning is critical for the welfare of many older Americans.
With that in mind, I encourage you to check out this short video, developed by the national trade association representing America’s investor-owned utilities, that looks at an annual event called the International Lineman’s Rodeo. It offers a good sense of what these workers are all about – and their commitment to their communities, their colleagues and everyone’s safety.
After reading this, I sincerely hope you have a greater appreciation for America’s linemen. These workers aren’t asking for gratitude or accolades. But I think it is important that we all take the time to acknowledge the sacrifices these men and women make to ensure our quality of life. As the proud father of a lineman, I know my son’s public service is worthy of commemoration.