Gulf Power linemen recognized in Legislature

Four Gulf Power linemen were among almost 80 lineworkers across the state who were recognized Friday in the House of Representatives in Tallahassee.

 

Clint Floyd, Mark Truitt and Robert Duke, all Line Techs in the Pensacola area, and David Cope, the Planning & Construction Team Leader in Panama City Beach, were there to support the introduction of a resolution to make Aug. 26, 2012 “Lineworker Appreciation Day” across the state.

 

The motivation for Lineworker Appreciation Day comes from Tracy Moore, wife of former Lakeland Electric lineman Marc Moore, who died while working on Aug. 26, 2002. The resolution will honor thousands of men and women who risk their lives every day, ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity throughout the state.

 

“We are honored to be here,” Floyd said. “As lineworkers, we are all brothers and sisters, whether it’s at Gulf Power, the state or the nation. We care about each other and we show support for each other.”

 

The four, along with Carl Punyko, Governmental Affairs manager, met with Moore and her family. She gave them wristbands that read, “Linemen are Heroes Too … Never Forget Aug. 26.” They presented her and her two sons with Gulf Power hats.

 

The lineworkers went into the House of Representatives, where they were recognized by state lawmakers.

 

Later, the four Gulf Power linemen were recognized again by Rep. Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach), who is a Pensacola native and whose brother, Steve Minton, works at Gulf Power. The linemen also met local representatives Clay Ford and Clay Ingram.

 

“It’s nice that the state wants to recognize lineworkers,” Duke said. “We appreciate their efforts.”

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electric service to our customers while working to improve the communities we serve. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”