Following 41 years of service with Gulf Coast Electric Cooperative, Terry Myers has retired.
Terry was hired as a groundman on June 17, 1982, but held many positions during his career. In 1983, he advanced to equipment operator, a position he held for seven years. He then became a lineman trainee and became a lineman after three years of training.
After nearly a decade as a lineman, he was promoted to lead line technician, a position he held for eight years. He then held the title of supervisor of operations for a year and a half and retired as a foreman with 11½ years of service in this position.
During his tenure with GCEC, Terry became a certified lineworker through the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association’s Line Technician Apprenticeship Training Program. In addition to four correspondence courses and three on-site climbing, construction, and operations laboratories, the training consists of four years of on-the-job training under a lead line technician.
The correspondence courses consist of independent study of math, electricity, and alternating current fundamental principles— the groundwork for understanding the hows and whys of the profession.
Students learn the basic tools and equipment used in everyday operations, as well as applications such as stringing and sagging wire; underground distribution systems; transmission and distribution line maintenance; transformer connections; meter applications; substation operations; and phasing and measuring voltage and current.
The three laboratories enable students to apply the knowledge learned from the correspondence units.
And while Terry achieved this certification, he says that his greatest accomplishment during his time with the co-op are the friendships he has made throughout the years.
During retirement, Terry says he plans on enjoying life, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Congratulations, Terry!