The short but fierce storm that blew through south Cook County on the evening of Sept. 23 left us without power due to the damage caused to a power pole. The linemen who responded to this problem at Futch Road and Shady Grove Road were nothing short of amazing.

We all have seen crews working on the wires as we drove by, myself included, and thought to ourselves, “Glad they’re here.” However, the night of Sept. 23, did I witness their magic from start to finish.

Within 45 minutes of being called, the first truck arrived to assess the damage.

Within minutes, the cavalry arrived! A bucket truck, a couple of crane trucks, a truck bringing a new pole. Every bit of equipment was brought the first time, no need to go “back to the shop to get parts.”

Being next door, and having nothing else to do (no power, remember), I sat and watched in complete and total amazement as this well-oiled team did what they were best at.

It was comparable to watching a symphony, or maybe even an NFL football team with every member knowing what to do next, what the other guy was doing/thinking, when to act, not being in the way when it wasn’t his turn to “play,” getting his team prepared for the next step in the well-rehearsed, well-orchestrated plan that all members of the team already knew.

Except for the initial “huddle” where their game plan was formulated, there were very few words spoken once the symphony started.

These linemen were all on the same page!

I couldn’t help wondering … does this specific team of linemen stay together always, or is this the norm at Colquitt EMC where everyone can do everyone else’s job? If the latter is the case, what a tribute to management.

After the initial assessment, and the arrival of the cavalry, it was two hours and 35 minutes until power was restored. These pros sunk a new pole, transferred a transformer and a whole pile of other stuff to the new pole safely!

I would’ve sworn they got paid by the job, not hourly as fast as they worked. I do not know their names because they didn’t need a “civilian” distracting them asking stupid questions.

Whatever they get paid, it’s not enough. I will never gripe about my electric bill again!

Joe Reilly

A trucker from Cook County