Tribute to Carroll County Electric Department Fallen Lineman

• By: admin
• On: 04/08/2025 21:26:05
• In: TMEPA Member Utility News

From the Desk of Scott Owens, General Manager, Benton County Electric System

Yesterday, I had the humbling honor of standing alongside linemen from across our region to pay tribute to Chance Carlton, a fallen lineman from Carroll County.

As bucket trucks from multiple utilities formed an archway for the funeral procession to pass beneath, it was more than just a visual—it was a symbol of unity, respect, and the deep bond shared among those who serve in this line of work.

In Public Power, we are more than coworkers—we are a family. And like any family, we feel the weight of loss when one of our own is taken too soon. Chance wasn't just a lineman—he was a husband, a father, a son, a friend, a coworker, and a hero to his community.

Every time a utility worker is called out—whether it's a lineman, right-of-way crew member, dispatcher, engineer, or first responder—they are leaving their families, often in the worst possible conditions. In the dead of night, in storms, during holidays or emergencies, they answer the call to serve others. And no matter how advanced our tools or how much technology we have, it still takes a person—stepping into the elements and into danger—to get the lights back on and keep our communities running.

That's why safety is more than just a checklist—it's a shared responsibility and a daily commitment to each other. Chance's accident was a tragic reminder that even with the best training and equipment, this work is never without risk. Whether it's high above the ground in a bucket truck, on the roadside, in the woods, or near the water, the conditions our crews face can change in an instant.

Nothing matters more than doing everything we can to ensure that every man and woman who serves in Public Power—linemen, right-of-way crews, and support personnel—makes it home safely to their loved ones.

Chance's passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that come with this calling. But I take comfort in knowing that Chance, like so many who serve, knew where he was going if something were to ever happen. While we will grieve his absence here, in the end, he has arrived at the ultimate destination—where God's promise of eternal peace and rest is fulfilled. My prayer is that the good Lord watches over his wife and children, bringing peace and comfort to them, and to all who loved him, in the days ahead.

May we never forget his sacrifice—and may we always honor it by staying committed to safety, to each other, and to the communities we serve.

With respect and reflection,
Scott Owens
CEO/General Manager
Benton County Electric System
Funeral procession held for lineman that died during overnight storms Wednesday (Includes Video)