Lineworker Appreciation Day

[LostArt]

http://www.lakelandelectric.com/Community/PressReleases/tabid/126/mctl/ArticleView/ModuleId/799/articleId/111/Default.aspx

Lakeland Electric News




News Home (http://www.lakelandelectric.com/Community/PressReleases/tabid/126/Default.aspx)
Florida Lineworkers Honored with Special Day © FMEASaturday, April 28, 2012


Tallahassee, FL – Today, the Florida House of Representatives introduced a resolution honoring the thousands of men and women risking their lives every day ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state.

"It's so easy to take our energy industry for granted,” noted Lakeland Rep. Seth McKeel (R-63), the resolution’s sponsor. “But when the power goes out, we rely on utility lineworkers to quickly get things back to normal. They are, literally, risking their lives every day on our behalf."

August 26, 2012, has been designated “Lineworker Appreciation Day” in the State of Florida, a poignant date with particular significance for Lakeland resident Tracy Moore. Her husband, Marc, a lineworker for Lakeland Electric, died tragically on August 26, 2002.

“I learned that day the true power in electricity,” Moore said, “and the true sacrifice our Lineman make – all give some, some give all.”

Since her husband’s death, Moore has worked to recognize, raise awareness and honor the lineworker community, describing them as the “true first responders” serving the nation.
“Many times,” she explained, “whether an auto accident, a structural fire, or natural disaster, our other “First Responders” cannot safely perform their necessary job functions until a lineman arrives to make that area safe for them to proceed.”

Barry Moline, executive director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association, noted the daily demands endured by lineworkers. "When you stop and consider the complexity of the nation's power grid,” he explained, “the essential role of the lineworker comes into sharper focus. As a group, they're responsible for maintaining the nation's more than 5 million miles of power lines in all kinds of weather and hazards and do so 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year."“When the lights are out and we're sitting in the dark,” noted McKeel, “lineworkers are essential for returning us back to normal. Next time you see a line crew at work, give them a thumbs-up to let them know how much you appreciate them."

[LostArt]

Curious. Do any of you plan on doing anything at your work on this?

I'm not even sure if the Boss knows about this. If he does, he hasn't thought to mention it. I'll have to ask him when he gets back. He has been rebunking bunks. :D

[rob8210]

Its all news to me, but what a great idea. Police and fireman get all the glory, we just get "its about time"

[LostArt]

Its all news to me, but what a great idea. Police and fireman get all the glory, we just get "its about time"

Touche` Rob. :D

You know, I'm not sure if it passed Congress. They were trying to do this months ago. The above link I posted was for Florida. Maybe each state gets to choose their day. I don't know.
Maybe Byron can tell us. They were having a Lineman Appreciation Day yesterday. A big party and stuff.

Canada needs to follow with it Rob. Who do you guys need to talk to up there? If you can't get it going, come join us! :D I'm sure some of the companies/cities will do something here. Texas has been doing it.

[Swamprat]

Linemen don't need no "Appreication Day"...Stuff like that is Crap anyway, in my Opinion.

Firemen, the Police, and the Sheriff Dept, are entitys of our society, that should be appreciated, by the general public.

People don't even know "About Linemen"...till the power goes out.;)

We don't need no "National Day".

We, as Linemen, get our appreciation, On the job, from the people that come out to us, in Snow Storms, Hurricanes, or just Trouble calls, and say "Thank You". They watch us, talk to us, and appreciate us. All the "recgonition" I ever wanted.


BEST Recognition I ever had...and will remember till the day I Die, was on Storm restoration, in Texas on Hurricain Irene.....

MASSIVE Distribution Pole reconstruct, we did on an open delta bank....Took 4 hours, I was the lead Lineman on the job.

Un beknown to me, a lady was watching the entire procedure. When we finally "Flipped the switch", and the lights came on, it was about 9am.

Again, Un beknown to me, this Lady approached my GF, and said....
"Who is THAT GUY, Right there, That one"?
He told her my name, and this woman, stood in the middle of the street, and Screamed and SCREAMED at me...."THANK YOU Greg ***********"

There's NO "Appreciation" day, better than something like that.:cool:

[Orgnizdlbr]

Wonders never cease, I am in total agreement with Swamp on this....Lineman appreciation day......gotta be kidding!

[BigClive]

Yeah, there are far to many appreciation days. If they're going to do one for linemen then they should have one for sewer workers and the gas and water utilities too.

If anything it should come under a generic workers or construction appreciation day.

Besides, pay day is the real lineman appreciation day. :D

[rob8210]

Around here its the folks out in the rural areas that appreciate the work we do the most, in the big city they are clueless ( whats taking so long- 10 minutes in) . I could care less about a linemans appreciation day, I'd rather just quietly go about doing my thing unnoticed.

[Lineman North Florida]

Everything that we heard was that it was started for the lineman that got killed with Lakeland Electric in 2002 and while I don't particularly care if I am recognized or not, if that is the reason it was done I'm all for it, it probably gives his widow a little positive in a sad situation.

[reppy007]

I wasnt going to reply to this one,but I changed my mind.I think it was meant for a good cause,and the wife had good intentions,must of loved the guy alot,and that says something about her......can you imagine being a female and loving a lineman,.........that can be a difficult thing to do........most of us dont want all the hoopla and a guy in a suit and tie telling us how great we are,and dont even throw a parade in there........I think most lineman would rather be appreciated by the company they work for,thats not much to ask for..........personally there have been times that I felt like I should have been the one giving a speech to our customers,and thanking them for the privilege of serving them in times of need........where else can you be paid well for loving your job?

[LostArt]

I let this ride long enough. Even the Boss says the same as most of you. It's no biggie in his book. Just a job.

However, I think this is needed for more reasons than you all know. Like for the men that came before you. Those that showed you the ropes when you were just grunts. For the young apes that want to learn. It's history. It's where the trade is today. And even those that lost their lives doing just that; their jobs.

It's also an awareness for others that aren't in the trade to know what you do. How you do it and why. It helps them to understand what kind of work you are in. The decisions you make everyday, how you work as a crew, and the pride you take in your work.

So you aren't heros. I get that. I really do. But, never bring yourselves up short for doing that job. If nothing else, give pause and thanks for those before you. Those men who have passed on or died doing "the job" whether it was by their mistake, mechanical failure, or cause of nature. Whether you wanted to go into this job or it found you, it's important enough to remember.

[Orgnizdlbr]

Gracie, How about a "Doctors and Nurses attempting to cure cancer in kids" appreciation day. Now thats one I can get behind....been in this trade 40 years, still dont need an appreciation day....

[LostArt]

There are many we could think of if we got down to it Georgie. Especially those that are thankless jobs. And there are those that are really good at their jobs and love it.

I remember years ago, back in the late '70's when farmers from all over were riding their tractors to Tallahassee. It was a good thing to see all those farmers on tractors, old and young, driving them through town. And in appreciation, folks came out and showed their support. I was very proud to be a farmer's daughter that day. More so than any other day. There was also American flags flying that day. It felt good to be an American.

Sometimes we need these days and times to stay focus. I grin every year since they made a Secretary's Day and then changed it to Administrator's Appreciation Day because it falls on my birthday. And so I go home with plants, flowers, some nick nacks and hear, "You racked up on your birthday again this year dear?" I just shake my head and smile. Most of the time they don't know it's my birthday.

And we have the Teacher Appreciation Day in May. This year I think we are having a fish fry. It's a chance to thank those teachers that work hard for pennies. And some go way beyond the call of duty. It's a chance to also connect as a group.

So, what is one more day of appreciating someone's hard work? A chance to thank that crew you got. The ones that show up on time, take pride in their work, and get the job done.

I know what you guys are saying Georgie. I get it. But, one grieving wife, wanted her husband remembered. And a group of lineworkers stood with her because of it. Solidarity.

[Orgnizdlbr]

No problem remembering a fallen brother, but most of the Lineman I know would rather do their jobs in quiet dignity and go home at the end of the day.........

[Pootnaigle]

Ummmmmm several years back after hurricane Rita the locals put on a shindig a few weeks after all the damage had been repaired. It was held in honor of all the first responders..... Police, Firefighters, Linemen, Paramedics, Mergency room doctors, city clean up crews, etc. ummmm I didnt go n neither did any of the other linemen I worked with. nobody really wanted in the limelight. Course there were plenty of suits, and paper pushers from the local utility in attendance so we wernt missed at all. I dont bleve a linemans appreciation day is necessary , we were appreciated plenty by the folks who saw us working every day and knew it was only a matter of time until we restored their lives back to normal.

[lineman]

OK, I just hosted what I called a “Lineman's Appreciation Day” at my place this last Saturday. We had Beer, Fire in the fire pit, Music, and Sloppy Joes with potato salad. It was a very good time for all.

I had set it up for 150 people and about 70 showed up. We had a little sign up table to join the "Lineman's Fellowship" It cost $20. and for that, you got to sign your name in the membership book and received a dated signed and vouched for membership card. The only requirement for membership is your being a Lineman by virtue of the linemen around you vouching for you.

I’m going to send out a little news letter telling all of the members (15 of us) how much money we have and who’s taking over the next party.

I like to think of it as being akin to a biker club or any other kind of club. Its main purpose is merely to have the Linemen in the region get together to hoist a few beers and meet each other and shoot the Bull****. It’s a good time, every time.

On the other hand,, One little Union vs non-union discussion started to get a little intense but the other folks standing around took right good care of it and it never amounted to anything. Those two just had to be away from each other for the rest of the night… This is the beauty of having the women and families in the picture. Women stop all of that **** right now. You don’t want to get put into time out in front of your buddies do you? Women can do that to us and we need them for that, otherwise, at every party there would be a couple of fifty year old guys rolling around in the gravel trying to prove something.. Only women can stop that sort of thing. ESPECIALLY if the kids are standing there watching what Mommy is saying to Daddy… Linemen are so hot blooded that we need to have the wives, daughters, and girlfriends around all of the time just to moderate the conversations and separate people when they need it.. Linemen are a little different than regular folks and they need supervision otherwise they want to beat each other up... Like having fighting pit bulls without the leashes.

If it has to come to blows… If they really want to fight… let them.. We then need to do some betting and make a few bucks on the action… Set up a fighting ring and make some bets and see who’s the man, if that’s really what you both want. Otherwise let’s try to have some fun.

The money that was collected will go toward the next party. Now that we have a little bit of a bank and some interested parties, it will be handed to another member and he will put on the next get together. This way it will be in a different place every time.

After reading the above posts I know it was not named right. It was put on by Linemen and attended by Linemen. Nobody bought us the beer or anything so I guess we are all just standing around appreciating each other and that’s kinda weird but it sounded better than “Lets drink some beer and talk shop day” but that is what it really was and it was really fun.

I got to visit with some of my old Lineman buddies and we all told our war stories. The Linemen that did come got to meet other Linemen from the region.

That’s my report… I'll try to get some pictures up.

bd

[BigClive]

Of course, in this day and age the best course of action was to let the union vs non-union parties actually have a fight and film it for YouTube. :D I mean let's face it, there were probably a lot of redneck-ish individuals there and they ALWAYS fight at parties.

[Swamprat]

Neat Post Byron, and...NEAT event You sponsored!
:cool: Talk about "Bringin Linemen together".....
Wish I could have been there.

You must have a Big Place man!! Biggest "party" I've ever held in my place was about 50, and that was pushin the Max! I ain't got a Big Place! I only got a "Lot".

I would love to be at a "get together" of nothin but Linemen...What a Trip!!!:cool:


OK, I just hosted what I called a “Lineman's Appreciation Day” at my place this last Saturday. We had Beer, Fire in the fire pit, Music, and Sloppy Joes with potato salad. It was a very good time for all.

I had set it up for 150 people and about 70 showed up. We had a little sign up table to join the "Lineman's Fellowship" It cost $20. and for that, you got to sign your name in the membership book and received a dated signed and vouched for membership card. The only requirement for membership is your being a Lineman by virtue of the linemen around you vouching for you.

I’m going to send out a little news letter telling all of the members (15 of us) how much money we have and who’s taking over the next party.

I like to think of it as being akin to a biker club or any other kind of club. Its main purpose is merely to have the Linemen in the region get together to hoist a few beers and meet each other and shoot the Bull****. It’s a good time, every time.

On the other hand,, One little Union vs non-union discussion started to get a little intense but the other folks standing around took right good care of it and it never amounted to anything. Those two just had to be away from each other for the rest of the night… This is the beauty of having the women and families in the picture. Women stop all of that **** right now. You don’t want to get put into time out in front of your buddies do you? Women can do that to us and we need them for that, otherwise, at every party there would be a couple of fifty year old guys rolling around in the gravel trying to prove something.. Only women can stop that sort of thing. ESPECIALLY if the kids are standing there watching what Mommy is saying to Daddy… Linemen are so hot blooded that we need to have the wives, daughters, and girlfriends around all of the time just to moderate the conversations and separate people when they need it.. Linemen are a little different than regular folks and they need supervision otherwise they want to beat each other up... Like having fighting pit bulls without the leashes.

If it has to come to blows… If they really want to fight… let them.. We then need to do some betting and make a few bucks on the action… Set up a fighting ring and make some bets and see who’s the man, if that’s really what you both want. Otherwise let’s try to have some fun.

The money that was collected will go toward the next party. Now that we have a little bit of a bank and some interested parties, it will be handed to another member and he will put on the next get together. This way it will be in a different place every time.

After reading the above posts I know it was not named right. It was put on by Linemen and attended by Linemen. Nobody bought us the beer or anything so I guess we are all just standing around appreciating each other and that’s kinda weird but it sounded better than “Lets drink some beer and talk shop day” but that is what it really was and it was really fun.

I got to visit with some of my old Lineman buddies and we all told our war stories. The Linemen that did come got to meet other Linemen from the region.

That’s my report… I'll try to get some pictures up.

bd

[LostArt]

As it should be. If you think about it, other than family and a few friends, most of your relationships involve your work. Since the Boss has been around a few decades in this trade, he has a variety of contacts/friends. He has a few union and non union. There has been some discussions, but unless they are tipping a few bottles, it rarely gets out of hand.

I remember once him and a very good lineman friend had bowed up. I come walking outside and they were even starting to shove each other.:eek: A few of the guys were pulling them both to the side and trying to calm them down. I went between them both (without thinking!) and said, "What is wrong with you two? Have you both gone completely retarded? This better stop right here and now. You both better start kissing and making up right now or I'll knock some senses back into ya." I had my hands up on both of their chests standing between them. Yeah, they are much taller then I am. Especially the Bosses friend. It was dead quiet until the other five linemen standing around started laughing. Then the Boss and his good friend started too.

I was so put out I got really mad and said, "You guys are crazy! I suwannee you guys beat all!" More laughter and now I'm mad!! Later the Boss comes in and I ask him, "Do you guys act like this at work??!!" He grins and said, "Nope. We have always gotten along. First time we have ever had harsh words." Then he says, "The guys think you are great dear." I rolled my eyes at him. He says, "They do. You stopped us from fighting when the others couldn't." He is still grinning. "Really? Well, I'll try and show up for the halftime laugh when needed." He started laughing. "You were great dear." Still laughing.

[Orgnizdlbr]

I dont bleve a linemans appreciation day is necessary , we were appreciated plenty by the folks who saw us working every day and knew it was only a matter of time until we restored their lives back to normal.

That's what it's all about Poot!!

[reppy007]

That's what it's all about Poot!!

Thats just the way most lineman are,they are unique folks,the police,fireman,and others might love having their own day.......we,on the other hand dont....its just a feature lots of lineman have.

[bluestreak]

Like a lot of people have stated It's knowing you did your job after a storm and the lights are back on. A quote comes to mind I don't recall maybe Charlie Brown, Like peeing in a dark blue suit no one notices but you feel warm inside.

[Swamprat]

"Linework Appreciation day".

When I was on Hurricane Irene, as a contractor, reparin some secondary, and eventually, throwin in the fuse of the transformer, and the lights came back on....

This woman came out of her house, and asked my GF...
"Who is that man up there? What is his name?"

My GF told her my name, and she yelled at me, "God Bless you Mr. +++++, and thank you!!!"
I just tipped my hardhat to her, and cradled my boom.

"Linework Appreciation Day" :cool::cool:

I'm sure All of you linemen have similar "stories".