Partners in Safety: DLC Trains First Responders on Electrical Hazards 

Captain Nicholas Fennick of the Ingomar Volunteer Fire Company has encountered plenty of electrical hazards during his 11-year career, from utility poles snapped by storms to a garbage truck driver that pulled down power lines with his vehicle. ​ 

He knows how to protect himself and the public in those situations, and he wants to make sure his team does, too. 

“We train to stay away from power lines,” Fennick said. “Any time we see them on the ground, we act as if it could be energized. But we have a lot of new people that have joined over the past few years.” 

In June, Fennick and his crew participated in one of Duquesne Light Company’s (DLC) electrical safety awareness trainings, which include classroom instruction reinforced by a field tour of DLC equipment and live wire demonstrations. 

“It’s better for the crew to hear straight from a representative from Duquesne Light actually showing us how bad this stuff can be and how dangerous it is to come in contact with,” he said. “The training goes a long way in contributing to their ability to stay safe on the job.” 

Powering Preparedness 

DLC has partnered with municipal emergency departments for more than 15 years to provide training on electrical safety. First responders learn how to assess and identify hazardous situations involving power lines and substations, minimize danger and, most importantly, keep everyone safe until a DLC professional arrives. Only they have the proper equipment and expertise to handle that type of situation. 

“In our classes, we show them how a dead power line can re-energize at a moment’s notice,” said Ian Richards, a DLC workforce development supervisor. “Even a car or fence can become a shock hazard in the right situation.” 

Richards leads DLC’s first responder safety training and also serves as deputy chief of the North Fayette Township Volunteer Fire Department. He knows firsthand the instinctive desire to take action when called to a scene. But when electrical equipment is involved, resisting that instinct could be the key to preventing a bad situation from becoming worse. 

“Most of the time, simply being patient is going to keep them safer,” said Richards. 

This training is put to important use during severe weather events when downed power lines become a safety hazard. After a major storm hit the Pittsburgh region on April 29 of this year, first responders were an important partner in keeping the public safe while DLC crews worked to repair damaged equipment and restore power, ultimately replacing more than 800 miles of power lines. 

Future Trainings ​ 

DLC will continue to offer free electrical safety trainings throughout 2025. The remaining sessions will take place at DLC’s Woods Run campus in Pittsburgh’s North Side on Aug. 12 and Oct. 7 from 6-8 p.m. 

All appropriate municipal fire, police and EMS professionals in Allegheny and Beaver counties are encouraged to join. Registration is required.