Whether observed April 12, April 18, or July 10—all dates designated as Lineworker Appreciation Day— there’s no doubt lineworkers everywhere deserve recognition. In storms, wildfires, and other disasters, they are tasked with making our lives whole again. “Everything works off power, manufacturing, electricity—all of it,” says Donnie Colston, director of utilities for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “It’s up to dedicated linemen to restore it as quickly as possible. It’s a fulfilling job. A lineman can say, ‘I’ve done something to help.’ The power comes back on and the customer says, ‘Thank you.’ ”
View our Working on the Lines article (PDF).