POWERGRAMS

24 TRADING CRIME FIGHTING FOR FIRE FIGHTING As a Birmingham police officer for 22 years before joining Alabama Power, Coleman is no stranger to danger. Until last winter, those situations had never involved a head-on encounter with fire. Coleman, security officer, Corporate Headquarters, was startled awake at about 3 a.m. on Feb. 5 by his neighbor who was ringing Coleman's doorbell and calling his name. When Coleman answered the door, his neighbor told him a house down the street was in flames and, as far as he knew, the residents were inside. After quickly donning pants and a sweatshirt, Coleman ran down the street to see Bessemer Police officer Parris Wiggins helping the hysterical homeowner, Janice Wallace, 60, out of the burning house. Although he was not well-acquainted with Wallace, Coleman knew that she cared for a 22-year-old man with autism and suspected that he was trapped in the flames. Coleman offered to accompany another Bessemer Police officer, Blayne Browning, into the house to rescue the young man. "When we got inside, smoke was pouring down the stairwell," said Coleman. "The young man was standing at the bottom of the stairs. But when the police officer called out to him, he wouldn't move, so I ran over and picked him up and carried him outside." By that time, the fire department had arrived on the scene. Coleman delivered the young man, who was choking and coughing, to the paramedics for treatment. Wallace and the young man were both treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. Coleman said although it was his first brush with fire, his law enforcement experience prepared him to face almost anything. "It really happened so fast," said Coleman. "The adrenaline was pumping. I can't even recall what I was feeling at the time. I could see the young man standing there; I could see the flames coming down the stairs; and I just wanted to get out of there." During Coleman's law enforcement career, dealing with life-threatening situations was part of a day's work. He was a member of the department's tactical unit, served on the SWAT team and the bomb squad, was a hazardous materials specialist and rode mounted patrol. In light of his background, Coleman said receiving the Presidential Award was special. "In law enforcement, it's not often people thank you for what you do. Normally, their experience with law enforcement is not pleasant," Coleman said. "After all these years, finally being recognized for doing what you ultimately want to do – and that is to help others – was a real honor for me." Rhonda Brown, director of Safety, Health and Training, said Coleman, Arnold and Powell are true heroes, commending them for their courage and quick actions to save a life. "Brett, Rodney and Greg's passion for helping others is inspiring and deserves the highest praise," said Brown. "Their commitment to safety does not stop when the workday ends. I believe the integrity and character of all Alabama Power employees is the true strength of our company." Security Operations and Compliance Manager Steve Luciano with Coleman. Moore talks with family members of honorees.

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