Ed Sanchez was nominated by his co-worker Amy Di Leo, who said “Last week we had a powerful storm with heavy rain and strong wind gusts. My colleague Ed Sanchez was on the job for 64 hours over the four days during and after the weather event, only resting in eight-hour stints in between restoring power to Long Island. Ed is an emergency services specialist – a lineworker in PSEG Long Island’s Emergency Services section. Getting the power on is what he does. He is a first responder in every sense of the words.

It’s what he’s done for more than 30 years – safely restoring power – dangerous work that requires mental and physical acuity.

Ed says he is doing what he was meant to do and he enjoys going to work every day – even more so when he’s in his hooks (the metal spikes strapped on his boots when he climbs) on a pole restoring power.

Being mechanically inclined and wanting to know how things work drew Ed to his career. And as a self-described “outside cat,” Ed says he enjoys being outdoors in any weather. He also loves his job because of the adrenaline, the camaraderie and the satisfaction.

Ed says the most gratifying time for him is when he’s working on a pole at night and all around him is dark. As he completes the connection and flips the switch to restore power, the neighborhood is illuminated, and he hears cheers, applause and “thank you” yelled from the homes below.

Yesterday was National Lineworker Appreciation Day – a great time for us all to say thanks to the men and women whose job it is to ensure safe and reliable power to Long Islanders every day. Thank you, Ed! Happy Lineworker Appreciation Day!″

Ed, as a small way of saying thanks for all you do for the community, you will receive a $100 gift card from Moe’s Southwest Grill.

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