MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this letter to the editor, originally published in the Ouachita Citizen, highlighting the crucial work of Louisiana linemen and calling for them to be formally recognized as first responders. 

“Though we notice them most during emergencies, linemen are at work every day to maintain the power lines that keep northeast Louisiana’s lights on and homes heated and cooled.”

. . . 

“These men and women work around live wires on a routine basis. They serve during hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters, so the lineman’s job is one of the riskiest around. Linemen are not just technicians: They are first responders. Louisiana has witnessed linemen’s bravery time and time again.

“Last year, after Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta hammered Louisiana, linemen were first on the scene to repair downed lines. During this February’s historic winter storm, linemen again rose to the challenge as first responders.”

. . . 

“With that in mind, I just introduced the Linemen Legacy Act to legally qualify linemen as first responders.”

The letter is available here, and more information about the Linemen Legacy Act is available here.