On April 18, as part of National Lineman Appreciation Day, Union Power and other electric cooperatives will honor the linemen who know that restoring power isn’t just a job; it’s a responsibility rooted in service, teamwork, and sacrifice.

When an outage occurs, these men don’t wait for daylight or better weather. They leave their warm beds in the middle of the night and work through any conditions…

Not only must a lineman be strong enough to handle the demanding physical labor, but also careful enough to work safely around high-voltage equipment. They train constantly, knowing that every pole climbed and every line repaired carries a risk, not just for themselves, but for every member of their crew.

When an outage occurs, these men don’t wait for daylight or better weather. They leave their warm beds in the middle of the night and work through any conditions, working tirelessly until the last meter is restored. They do this knowing their families are at home, trusting they’ll return safely.

Our linemen aren’t serving strangers; they’re serving members, neighbors, friends, and the same people they see at school ballgames and grocery stores. That connection makes their work more personal. They are fathers, grandparents, coaches, and community leaders whose impact extends beyond their profession.

While our top priority is always serving our members, we’re never in it alone. When a major storm impacts other parts of the country, and our system is unaffected, Union Power crews travel to provide mutual aid to fellow cooperatives. And when our community faces a major outage, we receive that same level of support. We call that the cooperative difference.

To all of our Union Power linemen, past and present, happy National Lineman Appreciation Day!

Remembering One of Our Own

This year, Lineman Appreciation carries a greater significance as we remember and honor one of our own, Lonnie Kirkley, manager of operations, who sadly passed away earlier this year.

Lonnie joined Union Power in 1989, where he served as a lineman for 21 years. He understood the commitment it took to handle the weight of his gear while climbing every pole, and the responsibility that came with restoring power. Through dedication and hard work to our cooperative, later in Lonnie’s career, he became manager of operations. During his time as manager, he guided and educated every crew, leading them with experience and integrity.

Those who worked with him will remember more than just his title. They will recall a steady voice during storms, a mentor willing to teach, and a leader who believed safety was non-negotiable and teamwork was everything. But above all, he will be remembered as a true family man who cared deeply about his community, our cooperative, the members, and the lives he touched.

With every truck that rolls out and every light restored, Lonnie’s legacy lives on at Union Power. His steady leadership guided us through countless storms, shaping our response. For 36 years, he served this cooperative and its members with dedication and integrity, setting a standard that will inspire generations of linemen to come.