Bellefontaine resident Dave Salmons put his lineman’s pliers in his tool belt for the final time Wednesday, Feb. 4, retiring from the Logan County Electric Cooperative after nearly 38 years of service.
A journeyman lineman, Salmons came to the cooperative after working for overhead door manufacturer Todco and began his career with the co-op June 6, 1988.
Co-op President and General Manager Tim Street acknowledged Salmons’ final work call Wednesday over the company radio system.
“Dave, today we honor you as you radio in for the last time after 38 years of dedicated service. You have been a pillar of strength and reliability, keeping the lights on and our community safe through every storm and calm day alike. Your dedication, your steady presence, and your exceptional level of care have shaped our safety culture, our system, and the people who work here.
“Your commitment, hard work, and friendship have left a lasting impact. We wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter. Thank you for 38 years of service — for the final time.”
An Elgin High School graduate, Salmons spent decades working in a profession consistently ranked among the Top 10 most dangerous civilian jobs in the United States.
Salmons’ enjoyment of the work and pride in it contributed to his longevity in the job.
“I have always loved working here,” Salmons said last month when asked about his employment at the co-op.
“Try to do the best you can on every job. Every pole, putting in underground, climbing, whatever it may be,” he noted.
“It was the outdoors, the sunlight — not so much the snow,” the veteran lineman said when aksed about his favorite memory of the job.
“Once you go through the programs, you fall in love with the day-to-day. You’re turning people’s power on when they’re out. I’m doing something really useful with my life.”
Salmons said his favorite part of the job was the camaraderie — hanging out in the lineman room on rainy days, joking with coworkers about haircuts or other silly things, or talking about hunting.
According to company officials, Salmons plans to spend more time with his wife, Marna, and focus on being a full-time grandpa.
It marks a welcome change of hats from a lineman career that interrupted its share of family events so he could ensure others had power when they needed it most.
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