Four Great River Energy employees were recently recognized for stepping up to help people facing emergencies — from securing an energized wire in a roadway to assisting people during medical and vehicle emergencies.
The employees received Great River Energy Good Neighbor Awards, which recognize employees who use their skills, resources and good judgment to help others when it is safe and appropriate to do so even in instances when they are not at work.
On Oct. 21, Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel presented Good Neighbor Awards to four transmission employees whose actions helped protect and support people in need.
“Our employees bring valuable skills, experience and good judgment to their work every day, and those qualities don’t stop when they leave the job site,” Patel said. “These stories show what it means to be a good neighbor and the difference our employees can make in the communities where we live and work.”
Bluhm, Hegle protect motorists from energized wire
Cameron Bluhm and Jack Hegle, substation apparatus technicians/electricians, were traveling to the Paynesville Substation for an inspection when they discovered a downed wire across the road. After determining the wire was still energized, the apprentices positioned their trucks and cones to block the roadway and contacted Great River Energy’s system operations team, which notified the owner of the transmission line.
Bluhm and Hegle remained at the scene and helped guide vehicles around the energized conductor until crews arrived to make repairs. Their actions helped protect the public from a serious electrical hazard and demonstrated strong cross-utility collaboration. Both received the Award of Merit for their actions.
Simons steps in to help neighbors in need
Eric Simons, project manager II, and his wife were riding through the neighborhood near their cabin when they noticed an injured woman lying on the ground. Simons stopped to help, called 911 and remained with the 85-year-old while they waited for emergency responders.
Simons also learned that the woman’s son-in-law needed to begin dialysis treatment, but his medical equipment was still in his pickup. Simons arranged for his wife to stay with the injured woman while he unloaded the equipment and carried it into the cabin. When emergency medical technicians arrived, Simons briefed them and made sure they had the information they needed. For his actions, Simons received the Award of Merit.
Wildman stays with injured driver
Chelsey Wildman, manager of safety and human performance, was driving home on Interstate 94 in Wright County when a high-speed crash occurred behind her. She stopped her vehicle, called 911 and checked on the people involved. After finding one driver pinned and seriously injured, she stayed with him to keep him alert and still while emergency responders were on their way.
Even after she learned the vehicle had caught fire, Wildman continued providing support and comfort while monitoring the danger around her. Emergency responders extinguished the fire and removed the driver from the vehicle for medical care. She also provided a witness statement to help ensure the driver, whose vehicle had been rear-ended, was treated fairly.
Wildman received the Award of Excellence, the Good Neighbor Program’s highest recognition, for her courage, compassion and willingness to remain with someone who needed help.
Good Neighbor Program
The Good Neighbor Program recognizes Great River Energy employees who go out of their way to use the skills and equipment of their daily jobs to help a neighbor in need. This reflects the company’s commitment to the communities where its employees live and work.
Photo: Good Neighbor Recipients.jpeg
Caption: Good Neighbor Awards were presented to four Great River Energy employees in October. Pictured (from left) are: Great River Energy President and CEO David Saggau, Good Neighbor Award winners Cameron Bluhm, Jack Hegle, Eric Simons and Chelsey Wildman, and Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel.
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