Safety and Compliance Manager Duane (Dee) Renollet retired on July 7, 2023 after 26 years of service to the cooperative. During his varied tenure, Dee saw many changes at PPEC but never wavered from the co-op's No. 1 priority: ensuring safety always comes first, 365 days a year. 

Dee will always be remembered by the community for the engaging tabletop and high-voltage safety demonstrations he put on for schools, local EMS and police departments, farmers, and more. Thanks to Dee's efforts, many local organizations have a better awareness of electrical safety and have learned not to exit vehicles, tractors, etc., that have made contact with downed power lines. This knowledge truly saves lives by avoiding electrocution. 

Fun fact: Dee worked with more than a dozen organizations, including the Department of Transportation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), for assistance with repairs after major storms - not including local agencies like Putnam County Farm Safety Days. However, not many people know that back in the late 1990s, he handled various member service duties like rebates and magazine layout. He cut out articles and photos, taped them to a sheet, and mailed it to PPEC's statewide organization to be printed. (Today, this is all completed digitally using Adobe InDesign software by the marketing team.) 

We sat down with Dee to reflect on his career: 

How did you first come to work at PPEC? 

Back in 1997, I was working at my previous job when an employee from our neighboring co-op, North Western Electric, came in and told me that Roger Manz left PPEC. After he walked out, I called Roger, and he said I needed to get my resume sent in. Two weeks later, I was working here. When one of our retired linemen, Jeff Ferris, asked how I got the job, my response was that "it was an accident." I haven't looked back since. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

PPEC's safety program was lower functioning 30 years ago. Now, it is one of the premier programs in the state. Every year, we score very high on the safety accreditation inspections. Our "Commitment to Zero Electrical Contacts" campaign is now a sticker on our bucket trucks to remind linemen to slow down and make sure safety always remains first in mind. 

What are some of your fondest memories? 

Kids have a special place in my heart. The time I spent educating youth with high-voltage demonstrations will always be memorable. 

What has working in the electric industry taught you? 

The most important takeaway is that you have to be part of a group of employees that care for their fellow workers. NEVER take shortcuts that will jeopardize safety. 

Any pieces of wisdom to share? 

I want our staff to remember: "NEVER do things that would upset Dee if he was still working here!" Like I have told my grandchildren: "DON'T MAKE GRANDPA GROWL!"

How do you plan to spend your retirement? 

I will be farming, fishing, hunting, and trying to find time to golf more, I won't be slowing down, that's for sure! 

PPEC will miss Dee, but we wish him the best in this next chapter of life!