April 18^th marks Annual Lineworker Appreciation Day, and we’ll take any opportunity to showcase our (often) spotlight-avoiding operations crews.

We interviewed HCE’s longest-tenured linemen at each of our operations centers: Aspen, Glenwood Springs, and Cooley Mesa (Gypsum).

Jim Walker, Aspen
with HCE since 1991.

Rodney Sherman, Glenwood Springs
with HCE since 1981.

Brian Collett, Cooley Mesa
with HCE since 1997.

What inspired you to become a lineworker?

Jim –

I started as a tree trimmer. I didn’t know what an electric line worker was.

Rodney – 

I was barely 18 when I started here at Holy Cross. I turned 18, graduated from high school, and started here at Holy Cross a month later. After starting in our engineering department, I moved to linework because it is rewarding. I watched these guys be outside all day and wanted to be part of that. Linework is very rewarding. It’s powerful.

Brian –

When I was in high school, my uncle’s brother and a good friend worked for Colorado Ute, the old power provider to Holy Cross, and spent most days riding to power lines with a bow, rifle, or fishing pole in their hand. Who wouldn’t want that job!?

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone interested in pursuing linework as a career?

Jim –

Stay focused on your future and do your own research.

Rodney – 

It’s super rewarding; however, there are sacrifices. You have to deal with the danger, with being on call on holidays, and responding to events in bad weather. We respond whether we want to or not.

Brian –

I would say its one of the most rewarding careers, and Holy Cross has been such a good company to work for. Show up every day wanting to learn more than you knew the day before and teach everything you know to those below you.

What is an essential skill for a lineworker to possess?

Jim –

Perseverance.

Rodney – 

When I first started, I would work all winter designing a job and then go out in the summer and build it. That’s how it worked. Adaptability is important. We have a lot we must adapt to, even on a minute-by-minute basis.

Brian –

The willingness to overcome any obstacle and having a can-do attitude.

What is your favorite location in our service territory?

Jim –

The view from Aspen Highlands in the summer.

Rodney – 

The north fork of the Frying Pan and Red Table Mountain are important places to me.

Brian –

On the river fishing! Or on top of a power pole overlooking the valley.