Our employees are committed to safety and doing the right thing as they work to provide reliable energy to our customers. Sometimes, that results in them going above and beyond in service to our community, sometimes in their off hours.

TEP recently recognized employees who demonstrated an exemplary commitment to our customer’s safety. Their contributions included helping to save a life, providing assistance in a dangerous situation and taking decisive action to protect public safety.

Extinguishing flames

While on his way to the gym, Line Locator Adam Hernandez came across an accident just before 4 a.m. on a winter morning last year. After noticing smoke and two vehicles on the side of the road, Hernandez got out of his car and realized that one of the vehicles was on fire. He retrieved a fire extinguisher from his work truck and extinguished the flames. After putting out the fire, he stayed on-site until emergency vehicles arrived.

“Adam’s dedication reminds us that assisting others is a core element of our safety culture and demonstrates TEP’s values in action,” said Brian Herman, Director of Corporate Safety.

Helping after a fall

In December 2023, Journeyman Metering Technician Miguel Careaga encountered an elderly woman who was injured by a fall and was in a great deal of pain. Careaga stayed with the woman to help her until medical assistance arrived.

“Miguel’s quick thinking and willingness to help a vulnerable person in need truly showcase the strength of character we value at TEP,” Herman said.

Staving off heat illness

During unseasonably warm weather at a career event for youngsters in October, Steve Canez, a Journeyman Shop Electrician, noticed a young woman who appeared to be suffering from the heat. Canez helped her find shelter from the sun and instructed his team to call medical specialists to assess and assist. Transmission and Distribution Supervisor Marina Ruiz provided ice and water as well as reassurance that help was on the way.

“Heat-related illness is something we always need to be aware of, and Steve and Marina’s teamwork, swift action and concern helped avoid a serious situation,” Herman said.

Providing CPR

While performing a routine site visit in March, Transmission and Distribution Supervisor Ismael Grijalva and Director of Equipment and Asset Management Ernesto Ojeda came upon a single-vehicle accident. They stopped to help two people who were already on the scene, supporting a man lying on the side of the road.

With first responders on the way, the young man on the ground suddenly lost consciousness, and one of the people helping said they could no longer feel a pulse.

Grijalva immediately started CPR, something he had never done outside of his training that he received at work. His training kicked in, and as he performed compressions to the tune “Stayin’ Alive,” the man took a big gasp of air and came back to consciousness just as the paramedics arrived. The man was able to respond to questions.

In that moment, Grijalva recalled, “There was just this rush of emotion, like adrenalin mixed with worry or sadness, and then when I realized he was going to be OK, I felt such relief.”

Herman said all of the honorees demonstrated a dedication to safety and to the community, over and above their job titles. “Their actions clearly show that our safety culture extends well beyond the workplace.”