BRONSON, MI (WTVB) – It was three years ago today that a Consumers Energy electric line worker from Branch County was killed on the job. The Consumers Energy Foundation announced today that it is honoring Jeffrey Creel of Bronson, who died when he was struck by a passing vehicle while he investigated a downed power line near Jonesville.
Consumers Energy said it is supporting a scholarship program to assist individuals interested in becoming utility line workers to recognize Creel. His death has also resulted in an increased effort by his friends, family, Consumers Energy and other utility companies to educate the driving public about roadside worker safety, emphasizing the phrase “slow down and go around.”
The scholarship program announced today is in conjunction with Lansing Community College (LCC), Alpena Community College (ACC), the Michigan State Utility Workers Council and Consumers Energy. Students must be actively enrolled and in good academic standing in the Utility Line Worker Program at LCC or the ACC Utility Technology Program. Candidates must have successfully completed all requirements and be selected for enrollment into the 10-week courses delivered at Consumers Energy’s training facility in Marshall. Details of the coursework, schedule and application process are available on the LCC and ACC websites. Each college will select one recipient, who will receive a onetime $2,500 payment toward their educational expenses.
The scholarship program was created in consultation with Jeff Creel’s widow, Robin Creel, and the State Utility Workers Council. Robin said Jeff worked with a lot of good people, and she prays for their safety every day. As with other industries, Consumers Energy has an aging workforce and says attracting individuals to learn a skilled trade is very important.
