MTEMC line crew
Hello. I’m hoping to identify the men in this photograph with my father. The picture has on the back “Sept 1955,” so I’m not sure how many would still be living. My father (Woodrow Pulley) is standing fourth from the right, and he would have been 101 this year. I know some of the men, but not many. I would love to identify everyone or as many as I can.
My father worked in Lebanon for Middle Tennessee EMC from the late ‘40s or early ‘50s until his death in 1974. Then my brother worked there until his retirement in 2008. So a member of my immediate family was an employee of MTEMC for parts of seven decades. Pretty impressive, huh?
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to read and respond to my email. I so enjoy the magazine every month. I keep meaning to send my daughter a subscription, but I’m the world’s worst procrastinator
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Editors’ Note:
If you know any of the men in the photograph, please contact Brenda at [email protected].
Fallen Lineman
Employees of Duck River EMC and Tennessee’s electric cooperatives mourn the tragic loss of one of our own. Duck River Electric Membership Corporation senior lineman Dean Batey of the Coffee County and Manchester area died from injuries sustained in a fall as he tried to escape a bucket truck fire on July 9.
“We work in a hazardous environment,” says DREMC President and CEO Michael Watson. “As a result, employee safety is our priority. Our work practices have layers of safety built in that take years of on-the-job training to master. The heartbreaking investigation into this tragedy is incomplete; however, one thing is clear: Dean did everything by the book, confirming my belief that the linemen who work so hard to keep your lights on are professionals. Dean Batey exemplified this fact; he was truly a professional.”
“Accidents such as this are a terrible experience — not only for Dean’s family and friends but also for his fellow employees,” says Watson. “Electric linemen have a unique bond. Their jobs are extremely dangerous, and they rely heavily on their own skills and training to keep them safe every day.”
Dean was a loving husband and friend, and he opened his home and heart to many.
“At this sad time, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Dean’s family as well as our cooperative family as we mourn the loss of one of our own,” adds Watson.
The Dean Batey Memorial Fund at U.S. Bank in Manchester has been set up for his family. If anyone would like to contribute, you can contact the bank directly by mail or phone:
- U.S. Bank, 1000 Hillsboro Blvd.
Manchester, TN 37355 - 931-728-1002 (Manchester branch)
- 800-872-2657
