POWERGRAMS

More than a half-century since he began, Patterson is well-satisfied with his job and said he derives a sense of purpose from working with younger employees, training them to take on lineworker roles. "In 1971, I was actually somewhat recruited," said Patterson, who was in auto mechanic school at the time. "I started here in the Garage at Anniston, hoping to be a mechanic, but movement was very slow, so I took a different route." He worked as a mechanic before moving to a tree crew, then to meter reading and on to a line crew, until he finally moved to the training role. The rest is history, Patterson said. "That's why I'm still here, I get a sense of joy in helping people. New employees that came along that I trained, a lot of them are foremen today. Many of them are supervisors themselves." "Warner is a great individual," said Technical Training Manager Bill McGough. "We've worked together for many years, 20 years in the role we're currently in. When Patterson celebrated his half-century of service, Alabama Power renamed the GSC Training Field as the Warner Patterson Training Field, with a new sign bearing his name. This tribute means the world to Patterson. "That was really an honor," Patterson said. "Most people don't get those things until they're gone. I've been in job interviews many a time, where we were interviewing somebody for an opening here. "And they said, 'Mr. Patterson taught me this, and I haven't forgot that.' … Most of the guys on staff here, I've had contact with in one way or another, either training or testing." The company has partnered with several junior colleges throughout the state. Many times, Patterson has had the privilege of speaking with a new class of linemen. "One of the things I tell them is what we do is dangerous," he said. "You have to pay attention. And if we follow those rules, chances are we're going to be OK." Patterson realizes that retirement will come one day. "They say all good things must come to an end, but I'm not ready to end it right now," he said, with a smile. "I enjoy getting up and coming to work every single day. And I hope that I can continue to do that until it's time for me to go. "I can't stay here forever, and I can't stay on Earth forever. I mentioned one day that a guy at Georgia Power had 70 years," Patterson said, with a chuckle. "I don't think I'll make 70, but I'm not ready to go today." By Donna Cope S E R V I N G N E A R LY 5 4 Y E A R S Warner Patterson is 'keeping on' with company and career he loves 5 Warner Patterson has staying power, in more ways than one. If he works through Nov. 16, 2025, he will have amassed a 54- year career at Alabama Power. To hear Patterson tell it, his plan is to "keep on keeping on" for a few more years, if all goes well. Patterson intends to continue working in his job as Support Training supervisor in Safety and Training at the General Services Complex (GSC) in Varnons. "He's got a passion for training, loves to work with young people, and is well-respected across our Power Delivery organization," McGough added. "Being able to stay in a place and be motivated, coming to work after 50 years is remarkable." "I tell them, 'This can be a career. All you have to do is do the right thing. Apply yourself and learn,'" Patterson said. At 72, Warner Patterson is enjoying life and his work at Alabama Power. (Photos by Phil Free)

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