By Patricia Beech-

When the weather turns miserable and the lights go out, we all depend on electrical line workers to set things right again.
AEP Ohio employees who work with high voltage at dizzying heights were recognized last week for the sacrifices they make to keep the power flowing.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, on Thursday, April 15, recognized National Lineman Appreciation Day (April 18) by issuing a state proclamation acknowledging the service line mechanics provide to their communities.
The proclamation recognized that AEP linemen are “often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events” who work to make the scenes safe for other public safety officials.
“These brave men and women work with thousands of volts of electricity atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep electricity flowing,” the proclamation read. “AEP linemen must work under dangerous conditions far from their families to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure throughout the state of Ohio and the United States.”
The proclamation was accepted by Southeast Line Mechanic-A, Matt Bennett in Columbus on April 15.
“As a line worker myself, I thank you for the opportunity to accept this proclamation on behalf of AEP Ohio and our more than 600 line workers,” Bennett said. “This recognition honors line workers everywhere who put their lives on the line to power communities.”
Jeff Frazier, Distribution System Supervisor for the AEP stations in Seaman and Hillsboro said he thinks many people aren’t aware of all the factors that go into keeping the power on.
“Because it involves working with high voltages, big equipment, and extreme heights, the line mechanic’s job is ranked as one of the most dangerous, but it is also one of the most critical because our society depends on power, lives depend on it,” Frazier said. “Line mechanics make tremendous sacrifices to keep the power flowing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It’s nice to know that’s being recognized with an official day and a proclamation from the governor to show their appreciation for the folks who do the hard work.”
The Seaman-based electrical workers who service hundreds of square miles of mostly rural landscapes across Adams County include: Line Mechanics – Dan Knechtly, J.T. Sowards, and Dylan Brown; Line Servicers – Chris Daniels and Brian Dotson; Line Apprentices – Eric Shoemaker, Clayton Rosselot, and Cody Hall; Line Technician – Josh Tabor; Line Crew Supervisors – Mike Bolen and Matt White; Distribution Line Coordinator – Mike Beech; and Meter Technician – Jordan Eldridge; and Service Center Supervisor – Jeff Frazier.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, on Thursday, April 15, recognized National Lineman Appreciation Day by issuing a state proclamation acknowledging the service line mechanics provide to their communities. (Provided photo)