Statewide Iowa — We don’t often think about the electricity that keeps the lights on in our homes and businesses. Until the lights go out.
When that happens, we depend upon the courageous people who do the dangerous work of restoring power, often in blizzards, severe thunderstorms, wind storms and other extreme weather conditions, often in the dead of night.
Last month, the Iowa Senate adopted a resolution introduced by Senator Carrie Koelker, whose electrical lineman father lost his life restoring electric power to customers in 1987. The resolution designates March 8th each year as Utility Worker Appreciation Day in Iowa.
The nation’s electric cooperatives also annually recognize lineworkers. In 2015, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association passed a resolution declaring the second Monday of April each year as National Lineman Appreciation Day in honor of these dedicated public safety workers.
So this Monday, and all year long, take a moment to think about the people who keep your lights on, offer a prayer for their safety, and thank them for the difficult and dangerous work they do.
