In Missouri this year, April 12 is designated as Missouri Lineworker Appreciation Day, in honor of the critical work performed by electrical crews.
The electric lineworkers of the City of West Plains do a difficult, dangerous job that really matters. Every day lineworkers handle thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines that requires special training and skill. It’s also a job they must perform safely in all kinds of weather conditions, at any hour of the day or night.
In addition to their regular daily work of installing and repairing our power connections, lineworkers also are part of the crucial community of first responders. Just like police, firefighters and emergency medical staff, a lineworker’s job is to head toward trouble when it strikes, to make things safe for other first responders, and keep our electricity flowing. Our recovery from common weather-related emergencies and larger disasters would be difficult without their fearless commitment. The lineworkers of the City are committed public service professionals and can be called to assist neighboring communities or even neighboring states with recovery from storm and disaster damage, at no cost to West Plains.
The part of West Plains’ lineworkers play in providing reliable electricity for our community is more important than ever as more workers telecommute, conduct online meetings, and otherwise rely on electricity to get the job during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The City of West Plains has 16 lineworkers on our electric crews, responsible for maintaining West Plains’ 270 miles of power lines. Their skill and dedication is a vital part of how our community-owned, non-profit utility is able to serve the community with reliable, safe, affordable electricity to homes and businesses in West Plains.
These West Plains hometown heroes put their lives on the line every day, and they deserve our recognition and thanks.
