Wake Electric is joining more than 900 electric cooperatives across the nation to celebrate Monday, April 8, as Lineman Appreciation Day. Recognized annually on the second Monday in  April, Lineman Appreciation Day pays tribute to the men and women whose skill and expertise is needed to build, maintain and repair the power lines that provide electricity to cooperative members.

“We couldn’t carry out our mission without the daily dedication of our linemen,” said Jim Mangum, general manager and CEO of Wake Electric. “It’s a demanding job on the front line of our co-op that often requires working around the clock in challenging conditions to serve our members and communities. We can’t thank them enough for all they do.”

Electricity travels along a network of wires and poles to power homes and businesses. Most of the time this is a seamless journey, but occasionally the path of electricity is disrupted by obstacles such as fallen tree branches, animals or an equipment malfunction. Linemen are charged with restoring that connection no matter the weather or time of day.

“Our linemen are heroes in every sense of the word,” Mangum said. “They literally bring us through some of our darkest hours, and we count on them to power our lives day in and day out.”

About 1,400 linemen work for North Carolina’s 26 electric cooperatives, including 16 from Wake Electric in addition to contractors. Nationwide, there are more than 18,000 electric cooperative linemen.