The term “first responder” is often thought to only refer primarily to law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and emergency medical services personnel. However, in 2013 Congress passed a bill that recognized linemen as “first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the scene safe for other public safety heroes”.

Crenshaw County native Trey Dillon would agree with this characterization as he has acted in his capacity as a lineman with South Alabama Electric Cooperative for the last seven years.

Dillon had previously chosen a different life path, enrolling in college and pursuing a different career, when he felt called to change courses and pursue life as a lineman.

“I always liked working with electricity and being outside,” Dillon said. “When I was in college I found out about a program that I could go through to become a lineman and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

Dillon’s wife, Kaitlyn Faulk Dillon, said that her husband’s desire to be an aid to those in need is one of his most admirable qualities, and something she is proud their children are learning from their father.

“Trey] is a very hard worker and he’s very dedicated to his job as a lineman,” Kaitlyn said. “His willingness to help others is one of my favorite characteristics of him. He is setting a great example for our boys and they think he has the coolest job.”

Linemen often work long hours in dangerous conditions in order to restore power during and after severe weather events which Dillon said is one of the more difficult aspects of his career, and something that is commonly misunderstood.

“A lot of people don’t realize what goes into this,” Dillon said. “When a storm comes through and we’re trying to get the power back on, some people think we just have to go flip a switch to get everything working again. There’s a lot more to it than that.”

Dillon said that though he faces a variety of challenges and hazardous conditions every day, there is no other life he would choose, and he encouraged those who may feel like going to a traditional college isn’t the right path for them to explore the world of trade careers.