I do not know one Lineman that expects praise, recognition or thanks. However, these brave, hardworking men and women risk their lives everyday to bring comfort and security to people's homes. That is on an easy day! On a storm it gets even worse through sleep deprivation, lack of food and water and horrible weather.

I am starting this petition to have those in the Line Industry to be legally recognized as First Responders. Since Hurricane Harvey and Irma hit the United States I have seen post after post on social media sites complaining. Complaining we all have come to get used to, it's expected, but for Linemen and their crews to be turned away from places (restaurants, City Hall's, etc) and not be offered any sort of refreshment because they're not first responders is appalling!

They deserve so much better than the treatment they are being given and their families deserve to be able to know that yes, their spouse or significant other is okay and safe. These men rush straight into the storm while others are running away. If that isn't what a brave, courageous first responder looks like, than I truly do not know what does.

**Senate Resolution 95, does not "officially" name Linemen as First Responders but does designate a day of recognition, National Lineman's Appreciation Day (April 18th)

113th CONGRESS
1st Session
 
 
S. RES. 95

Recognizing linemen, the profession of linemen, the contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety, and expressing support for the designation of April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 10, 2013
Mr. Isakson (for himself and Mr. Bennet) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION
Recognizing linemen, the profession of linemen, the contributions of these brave men and women who protect public safety, and expressing support for the designation of April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

Whereas the profession of linemen is steeped in personal, family, and professional tradition;

Whereas linemen are often first responders during storms and other catastrophic events, working to make the scene safe for other public safety heroes;

Whereas linemen work with thousands of volts of electricity high atop power lines 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to keep electricity flowing;

Whereas linemen must often work under dangerous conditions far from their families to construct and maintain the energy infrastructure of the United States;

Whereas linemen put their lives on the line every day with little recognition from the community regarding the danger of their work; and

Whereas April 18, 2013, would be an appropriate date to designate as National Lineman Appreciation Day: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the efforts of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety; and

(2) supports the designation of April 18, 2013, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.