One of Jackson Christner's earliest memories is seeing an Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) bucket truck in his grandfather's driveway. His grandfather, Gary, would talk about the dangers of the job, the close bonds among crews and the pride of keeping their hometown of Berrien Springs, Mich. powered. That sense of duty and community stuck with him from childhood to adulthood.

Now, 55 years after his grandfather graduated from the I&M line school, Christner followed his path and is working the same job serving their community.

"Being a lineworker in Berrien Springs, the same town I grew up in, is just the coolest job," Christner said. "I love helping people when the power goes out. I learned to be a lineworker from my grandfather."

His grandfather Gary served as an I&M lineworker from 1967 to 2010, witnessing advances in technology and safety and restoring power through extreme weather over a 43-year career. Inspired by his grandfather's work ethic and devotion to the community, Christner chose to carry on that tradition.

"Not many people get to say they worked for the same company in the same community as their grandfather. That just goes to show you the legacy, value and impact I&M has on our lives - especially since electricity touches nearly everything in some capacity," Christner said.

When Christner graduated this year from line school, he asked a favor of his fellow workers.

"I asked my class to recreate my grandfather's 1968 class photo," Christner said. "Everyone was excited to help. That photo means the world to me - I hope I'm making him proud."

As we mark National Lineworker Appreciation Day, we honor past and present lineworkers whose courage, skill and dedication keep our communities safe and powered.