Lineworkers Honored with First-Ever GCEC Challenge Coins

Four Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative lineworkers whose quick thinking and selfless actions helped save two people from a burning camper earlier this year were recently recognized by the GCEC Board of Trustees with a special honor.

During the July board of trustees meeting, Board President Dwight Van Lierop presented the cooperative’s first-ever GCEC challenge coins to Frankie Bailey, Hunter Jenks, Tyler Whitten and Braydon Nunnery in recognition of their courage, professionalism and commitment to serving others. Braydon was unable to attend the meeting and will receive his challenge coin at a later date.

In March, crew members were traveling to install a new electric service in Gulf County when they noticed smoke rising from an RV park. They quickly stopped to investigate and discovered a camper engulfed in flames. Working together, they helped rescue a man and woman trapped inside the burning camper before first responders arrived.

Their actions demonstrated the same qualities that define electric cooperative employees every day—service, teamwork and a willingness to put others first.

“These gentlemen represent the very best of Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative,” Dwight says. “Their courage and willingness to act without hesitation undoubtedly made a difference that day. We are proud to recognize them with our first GCEC challenge coins as a symbol of our appreciation and gratitude.”

Challenge coins have a long-standing tradition of recognizing outstanding service, leadership and acts that exemplify an organization’s values. As the first employees to receive GCEC challenge coins, Frankie, Hunter, Tyler and Braydon set a meaningful precedent for future recognition.

Their heroic actions not only brought credit to themselves but also reflected the cooperative’s mission of improving the quality of life for the members and communities it serves.

GCEC Welcomes New Hire

Brandon Taylor joins the Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative team as an apparatus specialist. Brandon comes to GCEC with almost 20 years of apparatus experience with another cooperative.

Please help welcome Brandon to the Gulf Coast family!