Tony was nominated by his co worker, Amy Dileo, who said "This month, my colleague, emergency services specialist Tony Kamycki, is celebrating 40 years on the job, 33 of them as a lineworker serving Long Island.
Lineworker Appreciation Day is April 18, an opportunity for us to recognize Tony and the approximately 400 first responders on the job at PSEG Long Island working to provide us with safe and reliable power every day.
As a member of PSEG Long Island’s Emergency Service section in western Suffolk, each day Tony’s jobsite is different. He could be responding to a power outage, managing voltage issues, working with a broken pole, downed wire or responding to a building fire. His job is to safely secure an area before other emergency workers can do their jobs.
Emergency Service personnel work on the electric system day and night in rain, snow, windy conditions, storms, extreme heat and cold. They often work alone – in a bucket truck, on ladder or up a utility pole in climbing gear.
Tony explained that he always needs to be alert and focused while on the job because dealing with high voltage electricity is serious business. “Any minor mishap could be fatal,” he shared. “Electricity is unforgiving and you might not get a second chance. You need to have a 360 degree view around you at all times.”
Because every call is different, Tony says his approach to each situation is different. It’s also why he loves his job – the thinking process and investigation that goes into resolving each issue must be well thought out to complete each task safely. The job requires physical and mental strength and acuity. And as Tony, explained, his job is also very satisfying.
“When I arrive at a customer’s home and explain the process involved to resolve their issue, it gives me a great feeling when they thoroughly understand what goes into the repair, and it’s even more fulfilling when customers are thankful and appreciative of the work I do.
As Tony says thank you to WBAB for this First Responder Friday award. I encourage the public to please take a moment to acknowledge lineworkers today and every day. Tony and his colleagues work alone in rotating shifts – nights, weekends and yes, holidays. Like many first responders they often miss out spending time with family during family functions. Please join me in thanking lineworkers for their commitment to their jobs."
Tony, as a small way of saying thanks for all you do for the community, you will receive a $100 gift card to The Pizzeria.
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