Lineworkers Are Wired for Service

Celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on Friday, April 18

By Lindsay Forepaugh

Wasco Electric Cooperative’s line crew powers local communities, one line at a time. From left are The Dalles Foreman Gabe Red Cloud, Serviceman Guy Andersen, Journeyman Lineman Bruce Palmer, Grass Valley Foreman Vinny Bonotto, Maupin Foreman Frank Roeder, and Line Apprentice Joe Burgess. Photo by Traci Brock

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

These individuals epitomize dedication to service in its purest form. As we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 18, this is an important moment to reflect on the essential role they play in our daily lives.

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

Wasco Electric Cooperative crews travel across our five-county 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— a lifeline that connects us all.

In moments of crisis, when the lights go out and we find ourselves in the dark, lineworkers 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.

This month, as we celebrate the remarkable men and women who ensure reliable power, let’s recognize their unwavering dedication to the local communities they serve.

The next time you flip a switch, take a moment to remember those who make it possible—lineworkers, who are wired for service and dedicated to illuminating life.