National studies consistently rank electric lineman among the most dangerous jobs in the country, and for good reason. Laboring high in the air wearing heavy equipment and working directly with high voltage creates the perfect storm of a dangerous and unforgiving profession. But linemen are up to the task. These brave men are committed to safety, as well as the challenges of the job.
CHEC’s linemen are responsible for keeping power flowing day and night, regardless of national holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings or other important family milestones. Beyond the years of specialized training and apprenticeships, it takes internal fortitude and a mission-oriented outlook to be a good lineman. In fact, this service-oriented mentality is a hallmark characteristic of lineworkers. The job requires linemen to set aside their personal priorities to better serve their local community.
Family Support System
To perform their jobs successfully, linemen depend on their years of training, experience and each other to get the job done safely.
Equally important is their reliance on a strong support system at home. A lineman’s family understands and supports their loved one’s commitment to the greater community during severe storms and power outages.
This means in times of prolonged outages, the family and their lineman may have minimal communication and not see each other for several days. Without strong family support and understanding, this challenging job would be all the more difficult.
Community Commitment
On Hatteras Island and across the country, electric co-op linemen’s mission-focused mentality of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work at the co-op. You can find several of our linemen volunteering on local fire departments, coaching youth sports teams, volunteering for local charities and serving on local advisory boards.
Thank You
Monday, April 8 is Lineman Appreciation Day. Given the dedication of CHEC’s linemen, both on and off the job, we encourage you to take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions they make to Hatteras Island. And if you see their family members in the grocery store or out and about in the town, please offer them a thank you as well.
