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Honoring National Lineman Appreciation Day

When storms roll through Arkansas and the lights go out, linemen answer the call. Often working in dangerous conditions and around the clock, these men quietly keep the power flowing to homes, farms and businesses across rural communities.

Each year on the second Monday of April, electric cooperatives across the country recognize those dedicated professionals on National Lineman Appreciation Day — observed this year on April 13. For First Electric Cooperative, that spirit of service is perfectly reflected in the legacy of longtime lineman Norman Griffin.

When Griffin began his career with First Electric on Jan. 3, 1978, he wasn’t simply starting a job — he was joining a brotherhood that would shape his life for the next 31 years.

Throughout his career, Griffin built more than power lines. He built lasting friendships and a deep sense of family alongside fellow crew members Lloyd Jones, Dave Price, Tommy Brown and Holly Crum. Forged through long hours, unpredictable weather and demanding work, those relationships became the foundation of a career defined by dedication, perseverance and heart.

Griffin admits he was “pretty headstrong,” and learning the trade did not always come easily. But he never backed down from a challenge. Through determination and a willingness to work hard, he grew into his role, guided by a belief he often shared: “You can’t build a line in one day.”

That patient, steady mindset defined both his work and his character. 

Known for his dependable spirit, Griffin also became recognized for a phrase he frequently shared with dispatch when responding to outages: “We are on the way.” His fellow crew members embraced the saying so much that they gifted him a small mouse that rode along in his truck — a lighthearted reminder of the camaraderie shared among the crew.

That sense of brotherhood carried him through the toughest days. 

In 1989, Griffin became a serviceman in an area linemen referred to as “the bottom,” a region known for its numerous wells and heavy agricultural demands. There, he fully understood the responsibility that came with the job. Keeping the power running meant more than restoring electricity — it meant keeping farms operating and supporting local families’ livelihoods.

We honor Norman and every lineman whose courage and compassion keep our communities powered.