House Resolution 6

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION DECLARING APRIL 2019 AS "LINEMAN APPRECIATION MONTH" IN RECOGNITION OF THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL LINEMEN IN THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI AND IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. JAMIE NEAL GUIN.

WHEREAS, in the absolute worst conditions, electrical linemen put their lives on the line to help communities across the state keep the lights on and the electricity flowing when severe weather, natural disasters and catastrophes hit, and because of their sacrifice, April 2019 is designated as "Lineman Appreciation Month" in recognition of the extraordinary men and women who tirelessly serve the citizens of the Magnolia State and in remembrance of Mr. Jamie Neal Guin, an exceptional lineman who tragically passed away on April 4, 2018, while serving the citizens of Northeast Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, putting their mark on the world one electric pole at a time, linemen are required to possess extreme mental and physical strength as they work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines that are hundreds of feet in the air for numerous hours each day, and they are often far from their families to construct and maintain energy infrastructure across the nation; and

WHEREAS, because of their tremendous dedication to the citizens of their communities and the surrounding areas, each time a call is received, linemen across the state, like Mr. Jamie Guin, fearlessly and bravely rush into perilous predicaments and respond to a variety of emergency events and catastrophes where the electricity is taken from communities, and they are often first responders during these tragedies, working to make the scene safe for other public safety responders; and

WHEREAS, for thirteen years, Mr. Guin worked as a lineman for the Prentiss County Electric Power Association, and unfortunately, after severe weather swept through Northeast Mississippi, Mr. Guin responded to the call to restore power to the areas that were affected by the inclement weather, and while at the top of a utility pole, he touched a power line that had been downed by a tree, mistakenly believing it was de-energized, and tragically passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Guin had an outstanding love for others, and during his short time here on this earth, he touched the lives of many people, and with his indomitable grit and passionate determination, Mr. Guin is dearly missed by all of his colleagues and friends who were fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him and experience his greatness; and

WHEREAS, with immeasurable devotion to his family, Mr. Guin was a dedicated and loving husband and soon-to-be father with a big heart, and he also served as an outstanding father to his nieces, who cherished him dearly, and he had an especially wonderful relationship with his own father, who he admired greatly; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the tireless and unwavering sacrifice and dedication of those who serve the citizens of Mississippi, especially our electrical linemen across the state and Mr. Jamie Neal Guin, whose dauntless fortitude and unwavering duty to serve their communities bring honor to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby designate April 2019 as "Lineman Appreciation Month" in Mississippi in memory of Mr. Jamie Neal Guin and recognize the valiant efforts put forth by our linemen each time disaster strikes.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Prentiss County Electric Power Association, to the family of Mr. Jamie Guin and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.