Three Baldwin EMC employees were recently honored with the Energy Institute of Alabama’s (EIA) Outstanding Service Award. The award was presented in Montgomery, Ala., on Monday, June 4, as part of Alabama’s Lineman Appreciation Day celebration.

Former Crew Chief (now retired) Louis Ruffin, Crew Chief Kevin Dorman and Vice President of Operations Jody Taylor were recognized for their heroic efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma last September. While providing power restoration assistance in Florida, the crew chiefs worked with Taylor to provide an emergency generator to Florida resident Carol Grozier, the mother of Baldwin EMC employee Salina Jenkins. When Taylor learned that Grozier, who lives in Orange Springs, Fla., was unable to use the oxygen machine she depends on to breathe, he orchestrated a plan that resulted in Dorman and Ruffin going above and beyond to connect a generator at Grozier’s home.

“We have a phrase we use quite often at Baldwin EMC, that we are better together,” said the cooperative’s CEO Karen Moore. “The measures that these employees took to assist Ms. Grozier is a prime example of just that. Going above and beyond, and working together, is how our entire team is geared. It is an honor for these men to be recognized not only as representatives of Baldwin EMC, but as ambassadors of the electric industry.”

EIA is a non-profit organization made up of industry leaders working together to promote the energy industry. The institute represents six major energy companies in Alabama: Alabama Municipal Electric Authority, Alabama Rural Electric Association, Alabama Power Company, Electric Cities of Alabama, PowerSouth Energy and Tennessee Valley Authority.