Appalachian Power employee honored for safety record on the job and in the community

Benny Shuff (right) shares a laugh with fellow servicer II Kevin Boyd, following a safety meeting at the Fieldale, Va., office last month. Shuff was recently recognized by Appalachian Power’s management for working 41 years without a recordable injury.

(Story by Teresa Hall)

As a servicer II, there are times Benny Shuff travels up to 250 miles a day through rural Patrick County, Va., in his Appalachian Power Company work truck. But not once in his 41-year career with the company has Shuff been injured on the job or been involved in a preventable vehicle accident.

For Shuff, who’s assigned to the Stuart office, that commitment to safety extends beyond the workplace and into the community. Shuff is a charter member and chief of the Woolwine Volunteer Fire Department in Patrick County. As a leader of the agency, Shuff says he ensures that safety is a priority for his fellow volunteers.

“I tell them to be careful out there on the road and to watch out for others,” Shuff said.

Shuff has served as a fire volunteer for more than 40 years. In that time, he’s received the “Woolwine Officer of the Year” award 12 times. He also received the “Patrick County Fire Officer of the Year” award four times.

Shuff’s commitments to safety in the workplace and in the community have not gone unnoticed by Appalachian Power’s senior management. Last month, Shuff became the second distribution employee to be recognized by Phil Wright, vice president distribution operations, for working his or her entire career at Appalachian Power without a recordable incident.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and demonstrates Benny’s commitment to safety,” Wright said. “Thank you for staying focused so you can go home safely every day.”

Shuff began work for Appalachian Power immediately after high school. He started his career in the Roanoke division on December 11, 1972, as a clerk in the Fieldale office. Since that time, he’s worked with a line crew, as a meter reader, and in collections before moving into his current job as a servicer II.

CG Stanley, supervisor field services, says Shuff’s approach to life and work makes him an excellent role model for others.

“The key to Benny’s safety record is that he doesn’t get in a rush or hurry,” Stanley said. “He reviews his material and knows what he’s going to do for the day. He recognizes hazards in advance, follows the process, and goes about his work in a steady manner.

‘I extend my sincerest thanks and congratulations to Benny for a job well done at work, at home, and in the community.”