“Storm Call: A Traveling Lineman’s Reflections on 13 Days in Laurens County”

When power lines fall and communities are plunged into darkness after a major storm, there’s a specialized group of workers who answer the “storm call”—linemen. These dedicated men and women don’t chase storms but arrive in their aftermath, ready to restore power and life to those affected. Adam Shirey, a lineman with Evers Electric, was one such responder after Hurricane Helene hit the Upstate. For 13 days, Shirey and his team worked in Laurens County to bring light and comfort back to homes.

Shirey and his team answered the call to help Laurens Electric Cooperative (LEC) with restoration efforts in areas like Cross Hill. “Every person was very understanding and patient,” Shirey shared. “Everyone came together, and it reminded us of good old South Arkansas. Definitely southern hospitality.” This warmth and kindness made a lasting impression on Shirey and his crew as they worked long hours to repair the damage left in the wake of the hurricane.

Shirey was quick to point out that they couldn’t have done their job without the tree trimmers. Creel Brothers, a team from Franklinton, Louisiana, worked alongside them to clear the paths needed to access downed lines. “Their Forman, Rondal Warren, and his men were so helpful and definitely dedicated to getting the job done,” Shirey said. The collaboration between the linemen and the tree trimmers was essential to restoring power efficiently and safely.

Evers Electric, a Christian-based company with over 40 years of experience, holds its values close to heart. “We start every morning with a devotional. We care a great deal for our men and our customers,” Shirey explained. Those values mirrored what Shirey saw in the LEC team. “LEC has some of the same values for their men and their customers. The man representing LEC for us was Drew Munyan, and he was top-notch. He not only cares about his men but also about each individual homeowner and took his job of restoring power very seriously.”

The team was in Laurens County for 13 days, part of a two-crew effort led by Shirey and Clint Evers, CEO of Evers Electric. “Clint was leading seven men, and I had six,” Shirey said. “I’ve probably been on ten storm calls now, and my longest one was 27 days after Hurricane Ida.” The experience in Laurens County stood out for Shirey, who noted that the community’s southern hospitality and cooperation made the tough job a bit easier.

Shirey’s humility shined through when asked about his role as a lineman. “We are very lucky to live in an area of our country where we can be openly Christian, and I am thankful for this every day,” he said, reflecting on the values that guide his work and that of his team.

As Laurens County continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, it’s important to recognize the dedication of linemen like Adam Shirey and the crews that answer the storm call. Their work takes them away from home, often into dangerous and unpredictable situations, to bring power back to our homes. Their sacrifice ensures that communities can recover and thrive, even in the face of nature’s most destructive forces. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their courage, hard work, and resilience.

This is just one lineman’s story. There are so many more like Adam Shirey, and we are grateful for each and every one of them. Linemen are among the best of humanity, and they deserve our deepest gratitude for the vital role they play in restoring normalcy after disaster strikes.

Click on the video below to see Adam Shirey’s view of Laurens County while working to restore power in Laurens County.

@adum_shirey #hurricanehelene ♬ God’s Country – State of Mine & Drew Jacobs