Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1475126
21 Patterson was hired by APC in 1971. Patterson said he has seen many changes over the years, such as the move to automated meter reading and improved radio communications. In addition, linemen don't climb poles as often, although it's still an integral part of the job. "When I worked in Dadeville, we didn't have a bucket truck, so with anything you did, you had to climb the pole," Patterson said. "Today, there are three bucket trucks in Dadeville. But there's times when linemen still have to climb poles because they can't get to the lines with the bucket truck." Patterson's days are not all filled with work. He lives in Calera with his wife, Cynthia. They have three children – Tiffany, an Alabama Power customer care associate; Brandy, a planning and development consultant at Edward Jones Investments; and Warner, an electrical engineer at a municipal power company in Florida. Three years ago, Patterson bought a lathe and learned the skill of woodworking by watching YouTube videos. He has made flower stands, rocking chairs and wooden bowls. Patterson's biggest passion is "cruising." He and his wife have taken more than 20 cruises, traveling to Alaska, Hawaii and "every island you can think of in the Caribbean." Patterson believes there's no need to wait for retirement to start enjoying life. "It's OK to put money aside for tomorrow. But if there's something you want to do today and you can afford it, then do it," he said. "We're not guaranteed tomorrow, so we need to enjoy today." Patterson said he will always be glad that he went to work at Alabama Power all those years ago. "If I had to do it all over again, I can honestly say I would not hesitate to do the same thing," Patterson said. "Alabama Power is a company that really cares about its employees. I've worked at small places where you're just a number, but at Alabama Power, you're family. In your time of need, your brothers at the company will come to help you in a heartbeat, and that's what families do." Patterson with Josh Latham of Gadsden and Brandon Maxwell of Dadeville. Photos by Phil Free