Michael Tillery is a hero for his family and his crew.

Tillery has worked for Alabama Power for 15 years and became a foreman last year. He is responsible for scheduling switch automation work, keeping his crew safe and ensuring that they have everything they need to do their job. Switch automation allows the Alabama Control Center to remotely operate transmission switches, a capability that provides faster response time and higher reliability.

On a typical Monday, Tillery and crew recap work completed the previous week before discussing the new week’s plans and heading to the job site. Tillery tries to spend his time on Tuesday and Wednesday working in the field with his crew. Thursday is Tillery’s day to catch up on work inside the office.

Tillery’s crew is made up of six linemen who have become more like family than co-workers. Interacting and helping them troubleshoot difficult issues is Tillery’s favorite part of being a foreman. “I love helping them work toward a solution or answer without just giving it to them,” he said.

Alabama Power’s Michael Tillery is an unsung hero at work and at home from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Before becoming a foreman, Tillery worked in switch automation. After realizing this was the career path he wanted, Tillery enrolled in online electronics classes. He was ready to take on a new role after earning his degree. “I graduated in two years with a much better understanding of the inner workings of our switch motors,” he said.

Casey Allums, transmission line construction, contracts and inspection supervisor, said Tillery is “a subject matter expert with everything switch automation related.

“He cares about his work. He cares about his employees. He’s very passionate about what he does. He wants to do a fantastic job and is dedicated to providing great service,” said Allums.

Tillery spends most days traveling, so he cherishes time at home with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons, Ethan (12) and Braden (16). (contributed)

Tillery says he has learned about having a positive outlook from his son, Ethan, who has cerebral palsy. (contributed)

Tillery says Ethan loves superheroes. (contributed)

Tillery is responsible for scheduling switch automation work, keeping his crew safe and ensuring that they have everything they need to do their job. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter)

Tillery has worked for Alabama Power for 15 years and became a foreman last year. (Dennis Washington/Alabama NewsCenter)

Tillery spends most days traveling, so he cherishes time at home with his wife, Lisa, and their two sons, Ethan (12) and Braden (16).

Ethan loves superheroes. “We have every Marvel movie ever made,” Tillery said. “He likes to play and wrestle around in the living room; he calls it ‘battling.’ Every time I get home he says, ‘Dad, let’s battle.’”

Now that Braden is driving, he spends time working on his truck with his dad. “My oldest son is really into fixing up his truck,” said Tillery. “That’s where we bond. He’s always buying stuff for his truck, and I’m helping him fix it up.”

Ethan has cerebral palsy. Tillery has learned about having a positive outlook from his son. “It’s helped me out so much seeing his determination and how he goes about life … . He’s 100% all the time.”

Last October, Ethan underwent a procedure on both of his feet, and Tillery was blown away by the response he received from co-workers. “From the day he had his surgery, I was getting texts and phone calls from my crew, my supervisor and people that aren’t even in my crew,” he said. “Everybody sort of knew what was going on, and the support there was huge.”

Tillery likes spending his free time outdoors hunting, fishing and playing golf. Woodworking is another of his passions. “I like working with my hands and building things for my house,” he said.

Working for a company that fully supports its employees and their families means everything to Tillery.

“This is a dangerous job,” he said. “What we do is very dangerous, but it’s for a company that cares so much about us and our safety.”