By Mindy Yost Hickey AEP communication consultant

After 56 years of service , AEP ’ s longest-tenured employee is preparing for retirement . Coshocton line mechanic Jack Murphy joined Ohio Power Company on Oct . 7 , 1968 . His last day of work was Jan . 17 .

Murphy said he became interested in the industry while watching a lineworker working on a pole outside his school . He started as a groundman after high school and worked his way up through the ranks , becoming an LMA after nearly a decade of training and on-the-job experience . Murphy ’ s longevity and dedication runs in the family . His brother Dave also worked for AEP , retiring in 2020 after more than 46 years .

“ It ’ s a good place to work ,” Jack Murphy said . “ I really enjoy the work here . I guess that ’ s why I ’ ve stayed around this long . It ’ s a great job .”

He said he ’ s enjoyed the camaraderie of the Coshocton crew , helping his community and traveling throughout the country for mutual aid . In

Murphy ’ s more than five decades there , the biggest changes he ’ s seen have been in safety improvements , followed by innovations to the tools and equipment lineworkers use .

“ Jack Murphy is the best of AEP . He works safely , he ’ s reliable , and he ’ s dedicated completely to our customers , employees and company . He ’ s been an incredible team member .”

Ryan Forbes , vice president of distribution operations

“ Work safe — don ’ t take shortcuts ,” Murphy said as advice to his fellow line crews . “ Ask questions and don ’ t be afraid to stop a job .”

Murphy is known for

his dedication to his role , rarely missing a callout . A 2016 AEP Ohio Now article highlighted his 98 % acceptance rate — completing more than 850 trouble callouts over a fiveyear span . He ’ s also had near-perfect attendance , having never taken a single sick day until last year .

“ Jack Murphy is the best of AEP . He works safely , he ’ s reliable , and he ’ s dedicated completely to our customers , employees and company ,” said Ryan Forbes , vice president of distribution operations . “ He ’ s been an incredible team member .”

Murphy ’ s focus on customer service will be missed , said Les Davis , Coshocton distribution system supervisor . The good news is he ’ s ingrained its importance with the other employees at the Coshocton garage .

“ I always make sure to treat people just like I want to be treated ,” Murphy said .

In retirement he ’ s planning to take care of his family and travel . “ I ’ m looking forward to not waking up at 5 a . m .,” he said .

Nick Schmitt , ChFC Financial Consultant

740-502-5314 nicholas . schmitt @ osaicinstitutions . com 1986 Fulton Drive Coshocton , OH 43812

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