La Plata Electric Association has promoted lineman Jerry Sutherlin to serviceman status. A serviceman works with customers and local electricians and is the first in the field when power outages occur.

Sutherlin is a Colorado native and graduate of Durango High School. He was attending Fort Lewis College and coaching wrestling when LPEA hired him in 2000 for temporary work changing electric meters.

When he learned of the cooperative’s four-year lineman apprenticeship program, he signed up and gained journeyman status in 2009.

He was a member of an LPEA crew recognized by the American Red Cross and the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers for rescuing a motorcyclist in an accident.

Sutherlin is lead vocalist and guitarist for the country band Midnight Backhand.

daler@durangoherald.com