When it comes to first responders firefighters, police officers and paramedics are usually the first that come to mind. Lineworkers deserve the same recognition.
That’s why America’s electric cooperatives have designated the second Monday of April as National Lineman Appreciation Day. The tradition started last year with a declaration by Congress.
On April 13,  North Central Electric Cooperative will honor the hard-working men  who often work around the clock, in dangerous conditions, to keep power flowing and protect the public’s safety.
“Electric utility linemen do not often receive the recognition they deserve,” said General Manager Markus Bryant. “They work all hours of the day, often in hazardous conditions far from their families, going above and beyond to restore power to their communities. Our linemen, as well as linemen from across the nation, truly deserve this special day of recognition.”
Line foreman Mike Shock is his 29th year with North Central. He’s found linework to be a rewarding career. “I’ve enjoyed steady employment so I’m grateful for that. I have always liked working outdoors so being a lineman has fit the bill for me.
He said weather and long storm hours have  been the most challenging aspect of the job. He said the ice storm of 1986, 1995 and 2005 were the most difficult elements to work in during his nearly three decade career.
“The lines are iced over, the roads are icy and you’ve got a job to do and stay safe.”
He remembered the ice storm of 2005 when tree branches were falling because of ice build-up as he and his crewmates were trying to put lines up and restore power.
“While it’s rewarding to get a job done in conditions like that it still is critical that we work safely. There’s no short cuts> it’s all about safety.  
Staking Engineer and lineman Randy Phillips, who has worked in the bucket for 26 years of Nort Central line truck may have summed up that sentiment best.
“The most rewarding part of the job is going home with 10 fingers and 10 toes each and every night. We’re here to provide a service for our members. When we have an outage, we want  power restored as fast as possible, but more importantly we want everyone to go home safe.”
To honor the 15 linemen North Central plans to celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day with a breakfast on April 14.Last year, they were received packets of beef jerky, cheese and crackers to take with them on the job.