Tom Busch was nominated by his coworker Amy who said, “My coworker Tom Busch is a First Class Lineworker at PSEG Long Island. He’s been restoring power for the people of Long Island for 16 years as a first responder and, for the past three years, he’s also been helping to train the next generation of PSEG Long Island lineworkers. Tom became a lineworker after completing PSEG Long Island’s academy himself. Now as part of his job, he leads classes of new lineworkers in the field to give them on-the-job training, which is one component of the PSEG Long Island four-year apprenticeship program.
As the temperatures and humidity soar in our area these past few weeks, it’s a great time to remember and thank our lineworkers – first responders who put their lives on the line every time they work to restore power, whether up in a bucket, climbing a utility pole in their spikes, or repairing high-voltage equipment on the ground. July 10 was also National Lineworker Appreciation Day.
These July days can get uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for people to be outside for long periods of time. For Tom and my other PSEG Long Island lineworker colleagues, it’s part of the job. The essential work they do is outdoors, in heat and humidity, icy cold, rainstorms and whatever conditions Mother Nature throws our way.
Tom works in the Port Jefferson area in PSEG Long Island’s Construction Overhead Lines group. He says that, in our area, there are very few days with ideal work conditions – temperatures in the 50s with no precipitation. That doesn’t make him love his job any less. He loves being outside. He loves that every day his job is different. He also loves the problem-solving aspect of the work. And he also loves the teaching component. The weather is just one part of it.
Tom is intent on teaching his apprentices what he practices every day: Safety, mainly being aware of the dangers of each job; and keeping an eye out for one other. On oppressive days like we’ve had this summer, that includes making sure his crew is hydrated and alert while working in the elements. The camaraderie is part of what Tom says makes his job a great job. Other highlights are the satisfaction he feels when he and his team work together to get the lights back on and appreciation he gets from customers who thank him for a job well done.
One thing he asks from customers is to please not distract him when he’s working. Whether he’s in the air or on the ground watching out for a partner, safety is Tom’s top priority. He needs the public to keep a safe distance from the work area so he can give 100% of his attention to the job.
Please join me in thanking Tom and the hundreds of PSEG Long Island lineworkers who are celebrating National Lineworker Appreciation Day this week.”
Tom, as a small way of saying thanks for all you do for the community, you will receive a $100 gift card to The Pizzeria.