POWERGRAMS

1 Presidential Award of Honor goes to extraordinary employees by Sarah Reid Harris Not all heroes wear capes but two Alabama Power employees each deserve one. Phillip Willis, compliance specialist at Gaston Steam Plant, and Mark Jerald, audio visual specialist at Corporate Headquarters, were presented the Alabama Power Presidential Award of Honor during a luncheon celebrating their heroic actions. The Presidential Award of Honor is the company's highest tribute. It recognizes employees who, in the past year, took extraordinary measures to save or sustain someone's life. "The actions of Mark and Phillip, in the face of difficult situations, upheld the highest values of Alabama Power," said CEO Mark Crosswhite. "It is our privilege to recognize them." On Sept. 19, 2016, Willis was on his way home from work when he noticed an elderly woman in distress, lying in a ditch next to her mailbox. Willis turned his car around, pulled over and made his way to the woman to provide help. She didn't want him to call 911, but asked for help to get home. Willis agreed on the condition she would let him check her pulse and general fitness before moving her. He assisted the woman to her home and waited until her family arrived. "As our fire protection specialist and emergency response team lead, Phillip is well-trained to always pay aention to his surroundings and be quick to act in eliminating unsafe conditions," said Aldin Francisco, compliance and support manager at Gaston Steam Plant. "He represented Alabama Power in our community well that day. The whole Gaston family is so proud of our hero." On Oct. 3, 2016, Jerald, his brother and a friend were traveling on motorcycles from a beach vacation when a car ran off the interstate and into a ditch, flipping several times in the process. Jerald and the two other men stopped and ran to the vehicle, which was running full throle with smoke billowing from the front. They pulled the family members from the vehicle and assisted the emergency rescue team in readying the driver for transportation to a hospital. "I'm extremely proud, but not surprised, by Mark's heroic actions that day," said Phil Free, Public Relations client services supervisor. "He is a truly selfless person, and that comes across in his relationships with his family and co-workers every day, but it really shines in his extraordinary response to help a family in need." The Presidential Award of Honor was established in 1985 by the Central Safety Commiee. Nominations are submied by executive management and approved by the commiee.

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