EDMOND —
Hundreds of Edmond residents learned more about the benefits of Edmond Electric and the city’s Water Resources and Public Works at an open house this week at the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Both utilities were founded in 1908.
More than 1,000 people attended at the annual event highlighting city services, said Ashleigh Grove, city public information officer.
Three lucky dogs were adopted, including 2-year-old Gracie, a black three-legged dog that gently accepted the hugs and pats of many children and dog lovers.
Paws for Life volunteer Mary Robertson said the dog advocacy group is looking for more volunteers to give a couple of hours a week to walk dogs or play with cats.
All dogs and cats available for adoption at the shelter have tested negative for heartworm. Their adoption fee also includes spaying or neutering, current vaccinations, worming, and Frontline application for flea and tick control.
Parents and their children gathered to watch electric pole climbing demonstrations. Free seedlings were provided by the Edmond Forestry department. Mock rescues showed what the emergency response would be if an employee were hurt on a pole.
Linemen Chad Stewart, Mark Wagoner and Wes Bennett demonstrated the Hurt Man Rescue. Linemen are tested each year and must finish the mock rescue attempt in less than four minutes, said Dean Sherrick, distribution superintendent.
“The reason being if you have an unconscious man up there, you don’t know if he’s hurt or not,” Sherrick said. “You’ve got to get him down to the ground and assess the situation and then start the CPR.”
Some of the Edmond linemen have completed the mock rescue in 90 seconds, Sherrick said. A couple of linemen have completed the task in less than a minute, he added.
Bill Lowder watched his grandchildren lifted by a cherry picker, used to work on the city’s power lines.
“This is our second year,” Lowder said. “My grandchildren have learned about electricity, and they’ve actually got to see the people that do the job. We had a power failure one year and the guy came out to the house and they didn’t understand it. They were able to come out here and see what’s going on. I think it’s a great benefit for children. It’s like a school.”
Jim Smith, assistant city manager of operations, said the event provides an opportunity for the public to see city services in action. They can see the hands-on equipment Public Works uses when working with water and electricity.
“We have police and fire here as well,” said Edmond Electric director Glenn Fisher. “It’s a great opportunity for the citizens of Edmond to meet a lot of the people who are working for them on a day-to-day basis.”
jcoburn@edmondsun.com | 341-2121
Local News
Related Photos
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JAMES COBURN | THE EDMOND SUN Hundreds of Edmond residents attended an open house put on by Edmond Electric and the Edmond Water Resources and Public Works at the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex on Thursday.
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JAMES COBURN | THE EDMOND SUN Ashley Marr, daughter of Gerald and Jennifer Marr, hugs Gracie, a dog from the Edmond Animal Shelter that was later adopted by a family.
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JAMES COBURN | THE EDMOND SUN An Edmond Electric line worker demonstrates pole climbing techniques Thursday at the city's open house.
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JAMES COBURN | THE EDMOND SUN An Edmond Electric truck hoisted visitors to the city's utility open house above the crowds Thursday afternoon.
Discussion
Open house showcases city services
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