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.

Ollie Samuel is one of our heroic lineworkers. Ollie is crew leader for our Underground team and is responsible for overseeing our fix-it-now crews. He grew up in Washington, D.C. and now lives in Bowie, Md., with his wife and two children, and is an avid sports fan.

Here is a look into Ollie’s 28-year journey with the company.

What brought you to Pepco?

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and graduated through DC Public Schools. I got the opportunity to apply at Pepco in 1992 and once I started working along with my coworkers and seeing different aspects about the job, it allowed me to learn more and to be more involved in the job and I decided to pursue that path more.

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

Working through the pandemic first was stressful, knowing I had to go out and work along different customers and different people in the job. But it gave me a sense of comfort, knowing that if I wore my PPE and keep my mask on that I could work along with other people and get the job done.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

The most gratifying part of my job is allowing me to be able to help my coworkers learn more about their jobs so they can continue to keep the job running to keep their power on. Also, keeping the lights on for the nation’s capital and for this city where I grew up and was raised.

View some of Ollie’s recorded interview here.