An ode to Alabama Power’s linemen on Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day
Alabama Power linemen restore service in the Mobile area after Hurricane Katrina. (Wynter Byrd/Alabama NewsCenter)
Off. On.
You barely have to lift a finger.
Off. On.
But so much hard work goes into it.
So many hands.
His.
And his.
And theirs.
Our linemen are on the job.
Getting up in the morning darkness – being called away from Sunday dinner.
Climbing a steep ravine with 45 pounds of tools – or crossing a swamp in the Alabama summer.
Filling a hole – replacing a pole – cutting a branch – restringing a line. All before lunch.
Off. On.
We ask a lot of our linemen.
To climb 50-foot poles and 100-foot towers.
To dig seven-foot-holes by hand, so gas and water and sewer lines aren’t disturbed.
To have the touch of a surgeon around nature’s deadliest force. Where a hole in a glove can be fatal.
Off. On.
Alabama Power crews restoring power in Hoover. (Photo courtesy of Alabama Power)
We depend on our linemen. But still we get annoyed. Admit it!
“Where are you?” “What’s taking so long?” “Why do you need to be in my yard?” “Don’t you dare touch that tree!”
Off. On.
Today, think of the folks who power our way of life.
Who watch each other’s backs so that every job is a safe job.
Who keep the streetlights glowing – the incubators running – your refrigerator humming.
Whose hands turn millions of switches from off – to on.
Quietly. Anonymously. Cheerfully.
Not for the thanks – but for the satisfaction of a job well done.
But go ahead – thank them anyway.
