In the quiet hours before dawn breaks, while many of us are still nestled in our beds, linemen begin their day, often clad in flame-resistant clothing, safety goggles, rubber gloves, and thick, heavy boots. 

They are the individuals who epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. Each April, we celebrate Lineman Appreciation Day to reflect on their essential role in our daily lives.

Amid towering utility poles and power lines, linemen exhibit a strength that goes far beyond physical. Whether battling inclement weather, troubleshooting technical problems, or navigating treacherous heights, linemen demonstrate resilience and a quiet determination to keep our lights on, our homes comfortable, and our communities connected. 

Boone REMC crews travel across our service territory, building, maintaining, and repairing parts of our local system. Their extraordinary skills ensure our homes remain connected to the grid, businesses stay operational, and emergency services remain accessible.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out, and we find ourselves in the dark, linemen emerge as beacons of hope. Their swift response restores normalcy, offering reassurance in times of uncertainty. Whether repairing storm-ravaged power lines or ensuring continuity during emergencies, their unwavering commitment illuminates life when we need it most.

Boone REMC linemen also answer the call beyond the boundaries of home. Our crews travel to fellow co-ops when widespread outages occur and additional support is needed. Cooperation among cooperatives is one of our seven guiding principles, and no one embodies this core commitment better than linemen. Our local crews assisted several other co-ops this spring with storm recovery efforts.

Lineman Appreciation Day is a time for us to recognize their unwavering dedication to our members and local communities. We celebrated our linemen by serving them breakfast, sharing notes of appreciation from members and local students, and playing a special video honoring their commitment to the job.

The next time you flip a switch or when your power comes back on after a storm, take a moment to remember those who make it possible – the linemen who are wired for service.

Watch a video honoring our local linemen’s hard work and dedication here.