Each year on July 10, National Lineworker Appreciation Day recognizes those responsible for maintaining and enhancing the local energy grid—overhead, underground and everywhere that it extends. Lineworkers regularly brave harsh weather and respond at any hour when emerging issues require their expert technical skills to keep the lights on for our customers.

Mark Wilburn is one of our heroic lineworkers. Mark is a lead cable splicer mechanic in the underground high voltage pressurized system department and is responsible for ensuring our many substations stay powered.

Here is a look into Mark’s 32-year journey with the company.

What path did you take to become a Pepco lineworker?

My father was a lineman for a contractor that worked for Pepco and right out of high school I started off in line work there as well. I became an apprentice lineman and I put my application in with Pepco and I started in 1989.

What has the experience been like working through the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic has been very different, and we’ve learned to adapt to changes. Since we had to social distance from our crew members, we’ve learned to use new tools like Microsoft Teams in the mornings to do roll call and give job assignments. When we’ve had to go over job prints, we’ve had to socially distance and wear the appropriate PPE. But we learned to adapt to the changes and be safe. It’s been gratifying, though, that we’re able to maintain power to the substations during this pandemic.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

My most rewarding part of my job is working with my team members. When situations occur, they all come together and it’s very gratifying to see everyone, during this troubling time, come together, stay focused and everyone go home safe.

View some of Mark’s recorded interview here.