The City of Douglas Utilities Department will celebrate National Lineman Appreciation Day on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. This day was first recognized on April 10, 2013 by the U.S. Senate by Resolution S Res 95. The resolution recognizes the efforts of linemen in keeping the electrical power on and protecting public safety. The first National Lineman Appreciation Day was designated April 18, 2013.
“We are very proud of the work that our City of Douglas linemen perform each day,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “When bad weather rolls in or a power outage occurs, these men roll out in their bucket trucks to ensure that electrical power is returned to our citizens in a timely manner. These men deserve our appreciation and thank you for risking their lives for us.”
Linemen are tradesman who construct and maintain electric power transmission and distribution facilities. The term also refers to those who install and maintain telephone lines, telegraph, cable TV, and fiber optic lines. The occupation began in the 1840s with the widespread use of the telegraph and the term continued with the invention of the telephone in the 1870s and the beginnings of electrification in the 1890s. Electrical power work made this job more hazardous because of the risk of electrocution. Linemen who deal with live electrical apparatus use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a protection against inadvertent contact.
The City of Douglas Utilities Department will recognize its linemen on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 with a special luncheon for employees in the Electric Department. Citizens are encouraged to recognize the men and women who keep the lights on by saying “Thank You” to local linemen and if posting on social media use #thankalineman or #NationalLinemanDay.
– Submitted by the City of Douglas