from Suzanne Olson, OPALCO
Doctors at Harborview Medical Center are calling our injured Journeyman Lineman Kevin Zoerb the “Miracle Man.” Kevin had a very successful surgery on his hand, which was burned in the accident on September 20th when he came into contact with a high voltage line. The prognosis is good, although he still has challenges ahead. He will have several additional surgeries and remain in the burn center for at least another month. The family has set up a Caring Bridge site to provide updates as they occur and a way to send messages to Kevin and his family.
A “Zoerb Family Fund” has been set up at Islanders Bank to help with expenses. Donations to the Fund can be made through any Islanders Bank branch. The OPALCO Board has committed $3,000 to the fund and would like to invite our members to join us in making donations, in order to meet the family’s needs over the coming months.
A formal investigation of the accident is underway. Safety is OPALCO’s top priority. The Co-op has a strong safety education and training program led by an industry expert, Jeff Myers of Columbia Rural Electric Association. Our safety committee meets monthly to review safety issues and provide training to both outside and inside staff.
OPALCO is a member-owned cooperative electrical utility serving about 11,000 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 95% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937 to bring electricity to rural islanders.
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