More than 500 Piedmont Electric members recently gathered at Pathways Elementary School in Hillsborough for the co-op’s first Community Safety Day.
“Concern for community is one of our seven guiding principles, and at Piedmont Electric we are committed to strengthening the local communities we serve — with safety as a top priority,” said Piedmont Electric President and CEO Steve Hamlin.
The event was held on Saturday, Oct. 7 and included electrical safety demonstrations from Pike Electric and bucket truck rides from Piedmont Electric linemen, as well as participation from the local sheriff’s department, highway patrol, fire station and emergency services. Piedmont Electric held the event during National Co-op Month in order to demonstrate the co-op business model in action while highlighting the importance of community safety.
One of the most enthusiastic attendees was 96-year old George Thompson (center), a member of the co-op for more than 40 years. George and his son Donnie had their first bucket ride with Piedmont Electric lineman Johnny Barefoot.
Over the past four years, Piedmont Electric has secured more than $6.8 million in loans within Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Orange and Person counties for fire trucks, fire stations, ambulances and fire equipment through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Program.
“The Community Safety Day demonstrates our commitment to emergency preparedness and making our community safer,” said Susan Cashion, Piedmont Electric VP, Chief Compliance & Administrative Officer. “We invited local emergency services, many who we have worked with through our REDLG loan program, to demonstrate how we are all first responders and that we are stronger and safer when we work together.”
Piedmont Electric plans to hold the event annually as it continues to partner with local support services to make their communities safer.