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Thanking Those That Keep Your Power On For Lineworker Appreciation Day
August 26, 2019
Gulf Power lineworkers work all hours of the day and night and even through the weekend to help serve customers.
The company saluted its employees as Florida recognizes Lineworker Appreciation Day on Monday, Aug. 26. It’s an annual recognition that the Florida Legislature established in 2012.
Chris deGraaf is a service technician who works out of the Pensacola office. He’s among approximately 170 lineworkers across the company.
Service techs drive a small bucket truck and often work alone, responding to outage calls or setting up a new service for a customer.
deGraaf, who has been with Gulf Power for eight years, says he enjoys his job because there’s something different each day.
“I enjoy it. I’m a self-starter and you don’t stay in one spot for long,” he said. “You see all kinds of scenery and get to meet a lot of customers.”
A Pensacola native, deGraaf and his wife and young son moved out west in 2004. As an electrician, he led crews from 20 to 100 workers, while his wife worked in Arizona, taking water samples in the Colorado River.
They moved back in 2008 when the recession hit and he started working with Gulf Power.
“I wish I had started with Gulf Power when I was in my early 20s,” he said. “A lot of the older linemen teach you a lot of life lessons. I wish I had picked that up sooner to get more information.”
Like all lineworkers, deGraaf takes part in storm restoration. He worked in the Panama City area for two weeks last year following Hurricane Michael. And he’s been on storm restoration trips to south Florida following Hurricane Irma and to north Florida and Georgia after Hurricane Matthew.
He said one of the biggest misconceptions about lineworkers is often customers think they can also repair cable, phone, water and sewer lines.
“People always show gratitude to us,” he said. “And in turn, I’ve learned to appreciate everyone’s job, from the person who works at a fast food place that’s open 24 hours to law enforcement and firefighters. Everyone has a little part. I see everyone on equal footing and everyone contributes in their own way.”
deGraaf recently took part in a demonstration of different jobs at a local elementary school. He brought his Gulf Power truck. One dad was a Navy Seal, while another was a pilot with the Blue Angels flight demonstration team.
“The kids said I had the coolest presentation because I brought the Gulf Power truck,” he said. “It was hilarious, but it was kinda neat too.”
Comments
11 Responses to “Thanking Those That Keep Your Power On For Lineworker Appreciation Day”
Why is Gulf Power using FPL logo?
My husband was a lineman for 35years. I am very proud of him. On call, 24 -7. Finally got to a place where there were enough linemen to go around to be on a call out schedule. He’s worked in Florida, Oregon and Washington. Worked in high humidity rain and lots of snow, at any time of day. They risk their lives everday.. Your great people. Thank you.
Just wanted to say that I appreciate each and every single person out there.. Rather Lineman or Grunt,Groundsman.. Until this past year when I started dating a lineman.. I didn’t have a clue, never gave it a second thought about the dangerous job it was.. So thank you. .
August 26th is also here in Columbus Ohio! We are grateful everyday for our Lineworkers! #ThankLineworker
Fuss and cuss when the lights go out, but the linemen are the ones that make things whole again. THANKS for doing the dangerous work done and be safe doing it!
Thank you linemen! You risk your lives so we can have power, and it’s something we take for granted. I grew up with Derrick Paris, a lineman from NJ who was killed last Monday, August 19, 2019 when a guy wire became energized. He leaves behind a wife, two young sons, a twin brother, and many other family and friends. He loved sports and coaching for his son’s teams. Please pray for his family.
GP Linemen do a great job, often being called away from their families from supper or participating in their hobbies but don’t forget those who support the linemen! Warehouse personnel are called to their stations to load the trucks, extra drivers are needed and engineers are needed. It’s an effort by all employees!
You are all appreciated in keeping the power on and restoring power when it goes down, I for one will never take you granted because the power infrastructure is so essential, and I only hope the power company appreciates all that you do. Be safe out there…
I want to thank the lineman all over the world they leave their families and going to dangerous areas you are truly appreciated and God bless each and everyone of y’all and I will keep you in my prayers
Thanks to the many linemen that take care of us through the good days but most of all through the bad weather. They all are greatly appreciated. I pray for each one of your safety when dealing with dangerous situations.
Thanks to all our linemen who are always there for us, They have a dangerous and busy job. A special thanks to my linemen and the people who man the office of my company, the EREC. You are very much appreciated. You do a great job.