2016 Hall of Fame
Dan Richard "D.R." Graves
D.R. began his career in 1962. In 1963 he was shocked on the job, which resulted in him losing part of his left arm and right leg. Not letting his injury get in his way, he was back to work within the same year. By 1969 he was back on the pole. For the next 30 years he worked with many companies in the electrical departments. Unlike many people, he did not let his injury get in his way. The love of the job and love of his family kept him going.
Rosa "Rosie" Maria Vasquez
Rosa began her career in 1978. Her goal, as a single mother, was to find a job to support her 3 sons. While in Lineman School she was tested at every turn. Whether it be physically or by the other students. At that time linework was only a “mans job.” Over the years she excelled in linework while supporting her family with two jobs. Rosa retired from the industry in 2008. Rosa was truly a pioneer within the linework industry. Rosa is the first female to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Robert Padgett
Robert began his linework career in 1988 with Lakeland Electric, in central Florida. He has dedicated much of his career to the education of linemen. He has trained hundreds of apprentices to become linemen. Robert has a passion for the history of line work and he collects powerline related artifacts in order to preserve the history of the trade.He has donated many tools and rare finds to the Lineman’s Museum. He was instrumental in founding the Florida Lineman Competition in 2001. Robert has been a competitor and judge in Florida, national and international linemen competitions. He serves on the Board of Directors for the International Lineman’s Museum & Hall of Fame.
George Hayden
George began his career in 1964 as an apprentice lineman. At that time George began collecting lineman tools and insulators, realizing that they were just being thrown out. He started saving everything he could. His collection grew and soon George wanted to share his passion and the history of line work with others. This passion became The Hayden Family Project. That small collection is now a 38-foot trailer that has been all over the United States and has been view by tens of thousands of people. At the age of 74, George passed away. His family has put his passion, the trailer, on loan to the International Lineman’s Museum, the Mobile Museum.
Tommy Greer
Tommy began his career as a meter reader in 1976. He quickly rose through the ranks of a lineman. He was given the opportunity to become the Job, Training and Safety Specialist where he excelled. He wanted to make a difference to the safety of lineman and for the next 30 years he spearheaded change and training all the way up to the corporate and state levels. He has been instrumental in the founding of North Carolina Line Schools. To this day, he continues to visit and train students and linemen about safety.
Steve Little
Steve began his career in 1969 as a groundman and throughout his 32-years in the industry he was an apprentice, journeyman lineman, troubleman and even in management. During his time in the industry he has been instrumental in the research and development of barehand work. After his first retirement he went back to work as a safety coordinator and did contract work for some companies. After his second retirement he became a Training Specialist at Northwest Linemans College where he still teaches and mentors today.
