We reflect on the real-life rescues by AEP employees in 2025 with gratitude for their courage and quick thinking.
When AEP employees were first on the scene, their training, teamwork, readiness and compassion saved lives. Whether by blocking traffic, wading into floodwaters, performing CPR, or battling flames, they prevented further harm and earned our admiration.
See Something, Do Something
SWEPCO servicemen Henry and Paul were awarded the AEP Lifesaving Award after they found an unconscious pedestrian, called 911 and helped flag down a passing officer until paramedics arrived – actions that helped save the man.
Pulled From the Flames
Senior lineworker for SWEPCO, Blake, received the AEP Hero Award after he stopped at a fiery crash. He used his fire extinguisher to free a driver trapped by a jammed leg, pulled the man to safety and fought the spreading blaze until emergency crews arrived. His actions saved a life and prevented further damage. Blake's wife Melissa and Aaron, the oldest of their 10 children, were in attendance when he received the award. His team celebrated him with a seafood boil. Read more.
Rollover Accident Rescue
Tanner and Aaron, AEP Texas lineworkers, sprang into action after spotting an overturned car. They blocked the lane and rescued a woman and child, keeping the wet child warm in their truck, and assisted the woman until paramedics arrived. There were no major injuries. Read more.
Kentucky Lineworkers Save Driver from Sinking Car
Tyler and Nick, Kentucky Power lineworkers, rescued an elderly woman from a partially submerged SUV during severe flooding. One waded in neck-deep water while the other secured the vehicle with a hand line, helping her crawl out just before the car sank. Their quick thinking and training saved her life. Read more.
Into the Fire
Mack, an Appalachian Power employee, saw smoke coming from the upstairs windows of a house as he was leaving work. He rushed into a burning home and rescued a dog named Oscar. His quick, selfless action spared the grieving family another loss and showed true compassion. Read more.
Braving the Flood
While restoring power for Appalachian Power customers, Jeff, Cameron and Tyler sprang into action when a motorist was swept from an overturned jeep in raging floodwaters. Cameron dove in, secured by a rope, while Jeff and Tyler pulled the exhausted driver to safety.
They were treated for hypothermia and released, then returned to work the next day. Their quick teamwork and courage kept someone alive. Read more.
When Moments Matter
A team of trained first responders at the Mountaineer Plant sprang into action when a contractor collapsed. They delivered rapid CPR and AED shocks that restored his heartbeat and helped get him to the hospital. AEP leaders honored the lifesaving crew with Hero Awards.
Thank you to every one of these heroes.