Putting It On The Line – Lineworker Appreciation Day

August 26, 2016

Friday, Gulf Power and the State of Florida  recognized the contributions and dedication of lineworkers during Lineworker Appreciation Day, a day set-aside by the state Legislature in 2012.

Gulf Power paid special tribute to almost 200 employees that work on the company’s 9,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines between Pensacola and Panama City, which serves more than 450,000 customers.

Over the past few years, the Pensacola area has endured an ice storm, a 500-year flood and most recently, severely damaging tornados. While most people seek shelter during these storms, Gulf Power lineworkers venture out into the dangerous elements, putting it all on the line to restore power, and hope.

Despite numerous safety precautions, these workers face dangerous conditions on a daily basis. It’s a job that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is one of the deadliest and most dangerous in the United States.

Yet, with all the known hazards of working with electricity, lineworkers are committed to keeping the energy flowing safely to homes and businesses no matter the conditions or weather.

One of those lineworkers, Demetric Washington, has worked seven years at Gulf Power as a distribution service and line technician.

Washington started working at Gulf Power in 2009 after having worked for Solutia for 10 years as a carpet operator. His first position with the energy company was working as a utility person.

After seven long years of training and preparation, he completed the apprentice phase in May and is now working as a journeyman.

Washington points out how seriously safety is taken in his line of work.

“In the work that we do everyday, it’s very necessary to be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” Washington said. “You could easily have an accident. I don’t ever want that on my conscious.”

In this extremely hazardous line of work, a family-oriented atmosphere seems to come with the job. It’s common to hear most lineworkers talk fondly about their teammates.

“I love the people I work with. Sometimes you’re working with them for 12 hours straight, and we have to travel together to help other utilities with major outages,” he said. “They become like extended family.”

Gulf Power crews have traveled more than 30 times since 2008 to help other utilities restore power to their customers.

Washington says he enjoys getting the call to help people, though. “When I’ve traveled to other areas in the country where people have been experiencing longer outages, and you can see on their faces how stressed out and miserable they are. I get to help those people.”

The worst damage Washington remembers seeing was the 2011 tornado in Tuscaloosa. “It basically looked like a scene out of a movie. I can remember booming up in the bucket and actually seeing the path that the tornado took. It was something I’ve never seen before in my life.”

Despite all the dangers and hardships, Washington says he wants to do this for a long time.

“The dangers of my job are always in the back of my mind, but the training I have been through the past seven years prepares me for what obstacles I may come across,” he said.

Washington’s wife Amanda, and their four children look forward to him returning home safely each and every day.

Comments

6 Responses to “Putting It On The Line – Lineworker Appreciation Day”

  1. patricia peavy on August 27th, 2016 11:01 am

    We can honestly say, you are our lifeline!! As the widow of a deceased lineman, I can tell you they are hard working, hard lovin men and women who frequently have to endure long hours in the heat and cold and wet. Please help with a friendly smile and wave when you see them.

  2. Henry Coe on August 27th, 2016 9:31 am

    Every day should be Lineman appreciation day. I know it is for me. I like having electricity and those folks make it happen. Dangerous work.

  3. anne on August 26th, 2016 6:19 pm

    I love to hear myself when the Gulf Power bill comes, lol. I am thankful every day for those people and I hope they are paid well. I thought this was going to be a story about the tributes and free meal!

  4. Century Resident /Classmate on August 26th, 2016 12:16 pm

    Congratulations Demetric,Glad you can help so many others

  5. dman on August 26th, 2016 11:04 am

    A tough job…well paid, but worth every penny for the danger these guys face. Thank you for your hard work and professionalism. Carry on and God Speed, Gentlemen!

  6. Linda on August 26th, 2016 8:13 am

    A huge thank you for all this men and ladies!!!!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under FEATURE TOP STORY, Features, News