Rodney Dunker began his career ay Y-W Electric April 3, 1978.  He will retire and start the next chapter of his life on April 26, 2023, having served over 45 years at the co-op.  During that time, he started his career working on the underground crew working with Roger Gray. Rod transferred to the hotline crew for 9 years before moving back to the underground crew as foreman. Rod was promoted to Line Superintendent in February 2002 and was promoted to Operations Manager in April 2006.

During his tenure at Y-W Electric Association, Rod spent many years on the Mesa Hotline School board serving as president in 2007-2008. He has been very active serving on the Disaster Aid committee at Colorado Rural Electric Association where he assisted in developing and improving the mutual aid program for coops in the state to restore power after natural disasters. Rod also provided input to improve the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP) in the state and is a supporter of training personnel to learn and administer the program to improve the safety program at Electric Cooperatives in the state.

Rodney’s concern for safety does not just impact Colorado cooperatives, His tenure on the Hotline School board touched the lives of many linemen across the country. He also spent time in Bangalore, India working with Bangalore Electric Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) to improve the line worker training and safety protocols.

Rodney’s favorite part of his career is the emphasis on safety keeping the entire workforce safe at Y-W Electric and in the industry. He will miss the people he works with but not the stressful parts of the job like storms and fires.

He plans to enjoy time in retirement with his wife Linda. His passion is receiving wind therapy riding his Harley. They plan to spend time in the Caribbean Islands and visit family in Florida and ride as much as possible.

Rod says, “In closing, I would like to remind all linemen that you are your brothers’ keeper. Please watch your fellow man as well as yourself. One of my career goals has been to do everything I can to have everyone return to their family at the end of the workday. I hope this goal continues forward with all.”

Congratulations from all of us at Y-W Electric Association, Inc. Rodney, Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!