Posted: 10/9/07
Wittry pens winning essay
in La Crosse Tribune contest
Editorís note: Recently the La Crosse Tribune sponsored an essay-writing contest called "Why I have the best local job." Tri-County Electric Cooperative lineworker Tom Wittry of Caledonia wrote the winning essay. The following is Wittryís essay.
Yesterday was Saturday, supposed to be a day off from already working a 55 hour week, I didnít spend it with my family, riding my horse, puttering around the farm, or just sitting inside to escape the 94 degree heat and humidity. Instead I responded to call after call from the customers of Tri-County Electric Cooperative. Totaling 17 hours and ending at 4:30 am this morning, I came home to rest. I knew it wouldnít be for long though. The last forecast was predicting another round of storms; there was already lightening off to the west and I could hear a faint rumble of thunder.
I have been a Maintenance Lineman for 25 years; given up countless weekends, evenings, holidays, and family events. I do it with pride and no regrets.
After all this time I still get that adrenaline rush during the summer storm and flood season or the winter wind and ice storms. I know that restoring the lines and getting the power back on will be physically exhausting and challenging in these types of conditions, but the personal rewards outweigh the demands.
All my consumers need to do is give me that small wave of gratitude or a holler of thank you as we pull out of their driveways and Iím ready to move on the next outage.
I couldnít imagine myself doing anything else.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com