Lifesaving in Action
Because of the nature of the work they do, electric cooperative employees receive extensive lifesaving training. They hope they never need these skills but are prepared to put their training to work — whether assisting an injured employee or a member of the public. The Lifesaving Award given by Missouri Electric Cooperatives recognizes those employees who take action to save a life.
N.W. Electric Power Cooperative
On April 7, 2025, while on their way to a jobsite, Colton Smith and Jacob Roberts, apprentice substation technicians for N.W. Electric Power Cooperative in Cameron, witnessed a collision on U.S. Highway 36. A truck following slow-moving farm equipment was struck from behind, sending it out of control and rolling off the road.
Coltin and Jacob immediately pulled over. The driver was trapped inside the overturned vehicle, but the two were able to safely assist him and provide first aid while emergency services made their way to the crash scene. Their calm presence and fast response were critical in keeping the driver stable until medical professionals arrived.
Northeast Power
On July 15, 2025, Nick Semkin, garage mechanic at Northeast Power in Palmyra, was driving home when he came upon a single-vehicle accident involving a grain truck. The truck had veered off the highway, overcorrected and overturned.
Nick was the first on the scene. He found the driver trapped behind the steering wheel, panicking and calling for help. Thinking quickly, Nick kicked in the windshield to allow airflow and stayed with the driver, helping him remain calm until emergency services arrived. They had to cut the steering column out of the truck to rescue the driver. Nick’s willingness to step forward in a moment of crisis reflects the best of the cooperative spirit.
IN FOCUS
Inspired by our December issue featuring springerle cookies from Turquoise Door Bakery, Laurie Steinbeck of Hermann baked her own impressive collection. She’s a member of Three Rivers Electric Cooperative.
Ready When It Counts
A new partnership is helping strengthen weather safety in Laclede County. The Laclede County Office of Emergency Management recently worked with Laclede Electric Cooperative to install a storm siren and weather monitoring equipment near Conway High School. Because most storms in the area follow the I-44 corridor and impact the county near Conway, the site near the school offered the greatest benefit for early warnings. Laclede Electric’s engineering team coordinated with emergency management to complete the necessary attachment approvals and safely install the equipment. The new weather station and siren are expected to improve local warning capabilities, helping keep students, families and the surrounding community better informed and prepared when severe weather strikes.
Cadets train for Safer Scenes
Keeping people safe starts with sharing knowledge. As part of the cooperative principle of Education, Training and Information, Missouri’s electric cooperatives work with community partners to help first responders understand how to safely handle situations involving electricity.
Recently in Jefferson City, Dan Ulhorn with Missouri Electric Cooperatives met with Missouri State Highway Patrol cadets to talk about electrical safety when power lines and other electric infrastructure are involved in vehicle accidents. The training helps cadets recognize dangerous situations, take the right steps around downed power lines and protect both themselves and the people they’re assisting. By providing this education, electric cooperatives help ensure emergency scenes are safer for everyone involved.