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SAFETY
outside to his service truck to log into
the computer and warm his vehicle.
Then he goes back in his house to
put on steel-toe boots and other
safety equipment, before
heading out to restore a
customer's service.
STELLAR DRIVING
RECORD
Hardin says there's no
secret to driving safely
each day.
"I've been an
LOL for 35 years,
driving 25,000
or 30,000 miles a
year in all kinds of
weather and traffic
situations. You
have to be careful,"
Hardin said. "I drive
the company vehicle
just like I drive my
personal vehicle. You
just take your time
and watch what you're
doing. I've been very,
very lucky.
"I try not to make
too much of my driving
record," he said, with a
laugh. "I don't want to
jinx it."
Hardin has received
a new company truck
about every seven years.
Typically, he turns in his truck
at 185,000 miles. The only vehicle
accident Hardin has ever been involved
in was another driver's error: His work
truck was rear-ended at a red light.
FUTURE WITH ALABAMA POWER
Despite 50 years of service, this LOL
won't be settling into an easy chair.
Working is Hardin's hobby.
"I like what I'm doing," Hardin said. "I
like the job, and I've got great people to
work with. Our supervisor is fantastic,
and we all get along good. I haven't
thought about going home. As long as I
stay healthy, I'll stay working."
Photo by Arden Ward
