Hillsborough, N.C. (April 18, 2013) – The U.S. Senate passed a resolution late Tuesday night honoring linemen for their work in keeping the power on and designating April 18, 2013 as ‘National Lineman Appreciation Day.’
The bill, introduced last week by Sens. Isakson (R-GA) and Bennet (D-CO), moved quickly and was passed by unanimous consent, including support from N.C. Sens. Richard Burr (R) and Kay Hagan (D). It serves two main purposes – it “recognizes the efforts of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety” and “supports the designation of April 18, 2013 as National Lineman Appreciation Day.” North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives collectively employ 1,400 linemen.
“Linemen are true public servants,” says the Cooperative’s CEO and President R. G. Brecheisen. “They work every day in potentially hazardous conditions, oftentimes during extreme weather like hurricanes and ice storms, to keep the lights on for the rest of us.”
Today, on National Lineman Appreciation Day as designated by the U.S. Senate, Piedmont EMC asks its members to thank the linemen they see, whether they’re working near your home, or you see them at a local restaurant, church or school event. “Linemen put their lives on the line every day without ever expecting any recognition from the community,” Randy Brecheisen said. “Let’s give them the recognition they deserve for their hard work and commitment to keeping the power on in our community.”
Piedmont EMC, a Touchstone Energy cooperative, serves more than 31,000 members in Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange and Person counties.
