Every year, we take the time to thank our extraordinary lineworkers who dedicate their lives to keeping the lights on in our local communities. Nine linemen maintain 1,100 miles of line in Orange County REMC’s service territory, and without them, our world would be dark.

We depend on our entire staff to keep Orange County REMC running smoothly, but on April 10, we honor all lineworkers who often face dangerous and challenging situations so our lives may be a little bit brighter and safer every day. These brave men and women repair damaged lines and maintain critical infrastructure for our communities. Without their hard work and commitment to the job, our co-op would not thrive. No matter the time — day or night, weekday or weekend — if the lights go out, so do they.

Perhaps you have seen them raising their bucket trucks in howling winds and torrential rains, or in freezing, icy conditions. They work around the clock near high-voltage power lines until electricity is restored to every member in our co-op community.

In addition to aiding members in our local service territory, lineworkers are always willing and eager to volunteer when a neighboring community, county or state is in need after a major outage occurs.

Our linemen are brave, committed and critical to our success. This year, we celebrate them by asking our members to participate in a card shower. Please write a note of appreciation and mail it to our office or stop by and sign a card.

We hope you will join us in thanking the many lineworkers — both locally and around the world — who light our lives. Remember, your power works because they do! Use #ThankALineman or #LoveOurLinemen on social media to show your support, or visit the Orange County REMC Facebook page to leave a comment of appreciation for our linemen.