Going Beyond the Service Call

A Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC) lineman’s commitment to going the extra mile impressed one area grandmother and may have just inspired a future lineman.

When serviceman Mitchie Bass responded to a power outage in Slocomb in July, 9-year old Timmy Nowell greeted him with many questions. Bass answered them all, even putting Timmy in the cab of his service truck to show how WEC uses computers in the field to help restore service.

Bass’ willingness to educate Timmy inspired the boy’s grandmother, Jo Jarrett, to make a Facebook post about Bass’ actions.

“Timmy loves helping and wants to learn. This lineman was talking to him about how electricity works and how the equipment works together,” Jarrett says. “The fact that he took the time to do that impressed me. People are so busy, but he took such an interest in Timmy’s questions. He talked to Timmy about electricity for 30 minutes.”

Bass’ investment in Timmy did not end after the service call. The next day, Bass returned to Jarrett’s residence with a WEC hardhat and a cap for Timmy and a cap for his father, too. Bass even presented Jarrett with a small token constructed from some materials used in electrical line work.

“It was like Christmas for Timmy,” Jarrett says. Jarrett says her grandson loves being outdoors and helps out on the family farm. She envisions Timmy possibly pursuing a career as a lineman — a thought further strengthened by Bass’ actions.

“Every time the power truck comes by, Timmy heads out the door to see what’s happening,” she says. “The work linemen do takes a special person and is very needed. I had no idea WEC linemen would take time to do the things Mitchie did. He is a remarkable young man.”

Bass’ performance did not surprise those who know him, according to the comments made on Jarrett’s Facebook post and his co-workers.

“At Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, we are committed to hiring and developing quality people who are community-minded,” says WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro. “Mitchie Bass is one of those quality individuals who shows extreme dedication to the task at hand and his community. We are honored he works with us and that he truly embodies the ‘Big Enough to Serve, Local Enough to Care’ spirit.”