When I was asked to tell specific stories about my time as a GCEA lineman for Colorado Country Life, it was hard to pick just one. There have been so many memorable moments in my career thus far. From the moment I was hired as an apprentice up until now, just about every moment has been a learning experience and an opportunity for growth.
As an apprentice I was able to go on a mutual aid mission during the Granby wildfires with Journeyman Lineman Andy Holsteen. Andy and I, along with Mountain Parks crews, were tasked with rebuilding and repairing lines that were damaged in the wildfire. It was eye opening to see the amount of devastation that our neighbors could endure and still rebuild with a sense of purpose. It was heartbreaking seeing entire neighborhoods burned to the ground, but inspiring and uplifting to see neighbors helping one another and not giving up.
Another memorable incident occurred in February 2023 when a key component of the Lake City Substation failed and left the entire town without power, affecting approximately 1,900 people. The outage lasted over 28 hours and all GCEA linemen stood up and answered the call to get the power back on in subfreezing temperatures along with an army of Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association linemen.
We would not have been able to restore power to anyone if it were not for the expertise of Tri-State Senior Manager Doug Dean and Substation Maintenance Supervisor Dan Fortney. The team worked throughout the night and everyone played a key role in getting the power back on. I was truly amazed to see the willingness of my teammates to serve a community. When situations get tough, I know I can count on these men to put on their boots and give everything they have to accomplish a goal.
More unforgettable moments came when I volunteered for Light Up Navajo. This initiative brings power to one of the most impoverished areas of the United States. Thousands of Navajo families live without electricity, running water, or basic amenities.
My first year at Light Up Navajo, I was able to go with Journeyman Lineman Mike Pendy, and Apprentices Zach Beaver and Kevin Fox. My second year, I went with Journeyman Lineman Andy Holsteen, and Apprentices Kevin Purkat and Kendall Gardener. Both times, we were able to build multiple miles of electric line and connect families to the grid for the first time.
It blew me away knowing that something so small that we did could help impact the lives of other people so close to our own communities. Hearing a mother say that she can now refrigerate her food, no longer had to haul water, and her children could charge their computers for school was a humbling experience. It made me so grateful for the things I have and may take for granted.
These are just a few of the moments that stood out to me and I am sure there will be so many more.
The thing I value most of all is the time I spend with my crew and the crews that serve GCEA. GCEA Foreman Dustin Cadwell is an incredible leader with a work ethic that is second to none. Robert Summer brings an unshakable sense of calm to the team and is always insightful when you need it most. Ty Percival is the life of the party, quick witted, and the first to answer the phone when you need a hand.
Kevin Purkat is the youngest member of our crew and by far one of the smartest guys I work with. His thirst for knowledge and pursuit to become the best lineman he can be is quite admirable.
Our leadership is hands down the best in the industry and I couldn’t write this without saying “thank you” to GCEA Chief Operations Officer John Stoeber, and Line Superintendent Todd Fuller. Without them, I would not have had the opportunity to see and do the things I have. Their leadership ensures operations run smoothly, and most importantly, safely.
The men I have the honor of working with on other crews: Foremen Jeff Hanggi and Logan Rhodes; Journeyman Linemen Andy Holsteen, and Wyatt Miller, and Apprentice Linemen Zach Beaver, Kevin Fox, Tanner Hite, and Kendall Gardener. These men have all taught and shown me so much over my 8 1/2 years and I am so grateful for every one of them.
When I decide to hang up my hooks, I know I will always have these wonderful people and memories to look back on and I know that no matter what I have accomplished as a lineman, it will never measure up to what I received from the community and the people I have had the honor of serving.
Justin Hulick is a Journeyman Lineman at Gunnison County Electric Association.
