Lineman Appreciation Day

Deservedly so, the lineworker profession is now he founded the National Association of Journeymen more widely recognized and appreciated by the public than ever before. To honor and celebrate our trade, the United States recognizes the efforts of lineworkers in an annual Lineman Appreciation Day.

Lineworkers have been playing a vital role in the advancement and well-being of our country since the telegraph era of the mid-1800s. Over the years they have continued to make herculean efforts in the construction and maintenance of telecommunications and power systems, and their efforts in restoration of service from major disasters are legendary.

The importance of the lineworker profession and the work lineworkers perform became readily apparent around the year 2000. In 1997, Colorado lineworker Byron Dunn launched the PowerLineman website and magazine, which were instrumental in spreading the word about the lineworker profession. Later that year, Andy Price, the vice president of American Safety, opened the International Lineman Museum and Hall of Fame in Shelby, North Carolina. Around this time, lineworker rodeos gained popularity, spreading awareness of the industry and demonstrating lineworkers’ skills, pride, and passion.

The United States was also hit by several major disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, Super Storm Sandy, and the Joplin tornado. The destruction left in their wake required massive repair efforts and put lineworkers in the public eye. With the increased awareness of the lineworker profession in this time, it only made sense that lineworkers began to receive more recognition as well.

BILL BOSCH SEEKS CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION OF LINEWORKERS

Around 2009, journeyman lineworker Bill Bosch decided that he would make a significant effort to see that lineworkers received the recognition they deserved. A former lineworker for Nevada Energy, Bill served in management positions with several power companies and Northwest Lineman College before ultimately stepping into his role as the vice president of training and workforce development with Centuri Group, Inc. In 2011, he founded the National Association of Journeymen Linemen and was subsequently inducted into the Lineman Hall of Fame. Bill and his wife, Karen, went all-in with their efforts to pursue congressional recognition for lineworkers.

SENATE RESOLUTION MAKES LINEMAN APPRECIATION DAY OFFICIAL

Bill and Karen spent considerable time and effort drafting the proposed legislation for a lineman recognition day. Bill’s father, Cliff Bosch—also an accomplished lineworker—passed away on April 18, 1982, and, as such, Bill proposed that date as the day of recognition. All their efforts paid off and a congressional bill was established and read before Congress. Senate Resolution 95 was passed on April 10, 2013, making April 18, 2013 the first official Lineman Appreciation Day.

RECOGNITION INCREASES

The establishment of National Lineman Appreciation Day spawned a new era of recognition for lineworkers. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers established July 10 as their lineworker recognition day in honor of their first president, Henry Miller. In 2015, Northwest Lineman College published The American Lineman, which highlighted the evolution of lineworkers and their accomplishments. Power companies and line contractors embraced Lineman Appreciation Day and began hosting celebrations on April 18.

EFFORTS REWARDED

Thanks to those like Bill and Karen Bosch, Andy Price, Byron Dunn, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, lineworker recognition is becoming only more prevalent. The increase in appreciation has only fueled lineworkers’ pride and passion and prompted more men and women to pursue a career in linework. Stop and think about how often lineworkers are in the news and social media as they continue their efforts to construct and maintain our power systems under any conditions. Lineworkers are critical to the well-being of our country and deserve every bit of the recognition they receive.