Co-op recognizes employees for years of service

Capital Electric Cooperative recently recognized six employees for their years of service and dedication. Terry Mertz and Jim Siirtola were honored for 30 years; John Frey and Judy Ruzicka were commended for 10 years; and Brad Johnson and Beau Townsend were thanked for 5 years.

TERRY MERTZ, STAKING ENGINEER

Terry Mertz

While the job of staking engineer is still relatively new to Terry Mertz, his service to the cooperative is not. Terry joined Capital Electric back in 1976 as a warehouse employee, who controlled inventory and ordered materials. When a position opened up, he transferred to the line crew and received hands-on training and experience. Over the course of his diverse career, Terry was promoted to lead lineman and later to staking engineer. He currently meets with home owners, builders, contractors, farmers and ranchers to plan for the new construction of homes, wells, yard upgrades and commercial services.

While the job can be hectic and depend on decent weather, Terry says it’s all worth it in the end. “When I see things take shape, I know I had a part in initiating the action. When the dust clears, I have a good feeling about what I did,” he says

With 30 years under his belt, he smiles and refrains from speculating about his career’s future. For now, he and his wife, Sharon, continue to be proud parents of three grown daughters. Terry also makes different types of furniture out of wood, and bowls in leagues and tournaments.

JIM SIIRTOLA, METER READER AND REPAIRMAN

Jim Siirtola

Thirty years of working the same job might seem a bit repetitive or boring to some. But to Jim Siirtola, the job is just getting interesting. Over the years Jim has read, tested, repaired and changed out meters, and helped with locating. But since the installation of TWACS, the co-op’s two-way automatic communication system, Jim doesn’t read as many meters. He says that technology like TWACS has made his job more of a challenge.

A native of Wing, Jim and his wife, Karmen, are Mor-Gran-Sou members who live northwest of Mandan with their son, Jacob. Jim says he enjoys hunting, fishing, bicycling and boating. While he says he has no plans to retire, he is making one big plan for the future: to buy a Harley!

JUDY RUZICKA, WORK

Judy Ruzicka
ORDER CLERK

In her 10 years of cooperative service, Judy has seen significant changes in technology. She started out as the receptionist and says she remembers keying in meter readings and payments by hand. With the development of TWACS, technology now automates the way the co-op does business.

As a work order clerk, Judy tracks the costs of new construction. She works closely with Terry Mertz, the co-op staking engineer, as well as builders, engineers and members. A self-proclaimed “numbers person,” she says she feels satisfied when the numbers balance at the end of the day.

Judy and her husband, Wayne, live west of Wilton on Capital Electric lines. They enjoy spending time with their two grandsons and one granddaughter. Judy also likes to sew and read, and spend time outdoors.

John Frey

JOHN FREY, JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER

At work, his title is journeyman lineworker. At home, he’s simply known as “Dad.” John Frey has three daughters and one son, and says it’s much harder to be a dad than to maintain overhead and underground lines.

John followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Richard Maier, who worked at Capital Electric Cooperative as a lineworker and line superintendent. John graduated from the Bismarck State College line school and later worked in construction before finishing his apprenticeship at the co-op.

John lives in Bismarck with his wife, Shannon, and their family. In his spare time, he says he likes to fish.

Brad Johnson

BRAD JOHNSON, JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER

Working outside and meeting members in rural areas are the parts of the job Brad Johnson enjoys most. Another journeyman lineworker, Brad helps maintain overhead and underground lines. Brad also graduated from the Bismarck State College line school program, and completed his apprenticeship at Capital Electric. Over the past five years, he says he likes the diversity of working on different projects each day.

A native of Miles City, Mont., Brad says he takes advantage of the abundant North Dakota wildlife and enjoys hunting and fishing.

BEAU TOWNSEND, JOURNEYMAN LINEWORKER

Beau Townsend

As an electric cooperative, Capital Electric always reminds consumers to “call before you dig.” When members make that call, the co-op dispatches Beau Townsend, who locates underground wires. He also changes out meters and enjoys interacting with the people he meets.

A graduate of LaMoure High School, Beau moved to Bismarck to attend line school at Bismarck State College. He joined the co-op as an apprentice and later graduated as a journeyman lineworker. When he’s not out locating or changing meters, Beau might be out hunting, fishing or playing softball, depending on the season.