Honoring the Workers Who Keep the Lights On

When severe weather strikes, electrical linemen are among the first to respond. They work through the night in dangerous conditions, climbing poles and handling live wires to restore power to our homes, hospitals, and schools. Most of us never see them. We just wake up to find the lights back on.

Sometimes, these workers pay the ultimate price.

Last April, Chance Carlton, a 32-year-old lineman from Carroll County, was killed while working to restore power following a severe storm. He left behind a wife and two young daughters. He was doing the job he loved, serving his community, when tragedy struck.

Tennessee already provides death benefits to the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, and volunteer rescue squad members who are killed in the line of duty. The families of these fallen heroes receive $250,000 in payments over five years to help ease the financial burden. It is not enough to replace a loved one, but it is something. A recognition of sacrifice. A commitment from the state that we will not forget.

Until this session, electrical linemen were not included in that program. That never made sense to me. These workers face the same dangers as other first responders. They work in conditions most of us cannot imagine. And when they die serving their communities, their families deserve the same support.

The Chance Carlton Act, which passed the General Assembly this session, fixes that. Under this legislation, the estate of any electrical lineman employed by or contracted with a local government in Tennessee who is killed in the line of duty will be eligible to receive the same death benefits as other first responders.

This is about doing right by the people who keep our lights on. It is about recognizing that service takes many forms, and sacrifice deserves to be honored.

I was proud to support this legislation. And I hope it brings some measure of comfort to the families who have lost loved ones, including the Carlton family, knowing that Tennessee sees their sacrifice and will not let it be forgotten.