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High wire acts: Lineman Appreciation Day celebrated

Brave men and women who work long hours at a moment’s notice to keep the lights on for Alabamians are being honored this week.

Lineman Appreciation Day recognizes the contributions of the people who protect public safety and ensure that Alabamians have reliable electricity.

In 2014, Lineman Appreciation Day was designated as the first Monday in June by the Alabama Legislature.

Nationally, linemen and women are celebrated April 18, following a 2013 resolution passed by Congress to “recognize linemen, the profession of linemen and contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety.

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The Energy Institute of Alabama (EIA) recognized and celebrated linemen today at Dixie Electric Cooperative in Montgomery.

Alabama Public Service Commission President Twinkle Cavanaugh, State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield), WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson, Baldwin EMC Journeyman Lineman Wayne Givens, EIA Chairman Houston Smith and EIA Executive Director Blake Hardwich were among the speakers at today’s event.

“We shouldn’t have to wait for a storm to say thank you to our linemen and utility workers,” Cavanaugh said. “You all are the first ones on the ground when tragedy strikes, and affected communities depend on you in their times of need. So it’s natural for folks to give you the thanks you deserve when that happens.”

(Alabama Energy Institute/Contributed)

Also sharing her appreciation today was Sen. Katie Britt, who thanked “the incredible men and women who keep Alabama and America running.”

Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter, a former long-time employee of Sand Mountain Power Cooperative, also thanked those on the front lines for their dedication.

Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270 for coverage of the 2023 legislative session. 

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