JEA Recognizes Linemen

2014-08-26

Jacksonville, FL - Today is Line Workers Appreciation Day in Florida. Electric utilities across the state are honoring the men and women who work tirelessly in varying conditions to make sure our lights stay on.

“JEA salutes our linemen for the critical service they provide to this community every day,” said Mike Brost, vice president and general manager electric systems. “They also stand ready to assist other utilities, as they have so many times in the past, who suffer severe weather impacts.”

As a member of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) JEA supports a special Lineman’s Assistance Fund at the $1000 level, and has each year since 2012, to help electric field employees in the state who suffer an injury on the job. In 2012, JEA employees initiated a payroll deduction for the lineman’s fund. FMEA has encouraged other Florida utilities to follow JEA’s lead.

Barry Moline, executive director of the FMEA, noted the daily demands endured by line workers. "When you stop and consider the complexity of the nation's power grid,” he explained, “the essential role of the line worker 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. We appreciate what they do for us every single day, rain or shine."

In 2012, 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. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland) designated August 26, 2012, as “Line Worker Appreciation Day” in the State of Florida. This date holds particular significance for Lakeland resident Tracy Moore, whose husband, Marc, a line worker for Lakeland Electric, died tragically on August 26, 2002. Electric utilities across Florida continue to recognize August 26 every year as Line worker Appreciation Day.

Category:

• corporate
• electric