News & Press

Decorative ImageDonald Appling, VP of Construction Services at Tri-County EMC (pictured left), received the Cofer-Langston Award earlier this month during the statewide meeting of the Georgia Foreman and Supervisors’ Association.

The honor is awarded annually to the person who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting training and safety in the rural electric program. A nominee must also employ and abide by all industry safety rules and use them in his or her personal, professional and civic life.

“Safety has always been one of Donald’s primary goals,” said C. Hill Bentley, CEO of Tri-County EMC. “He has promoted safety both inside and outside of the workplace his entire career.”

Appling began his career at the cooperative in 1977 as a meter reader.  Since then, he served as a Staking Technician, Field Engineer, Operations Supervisor, Manager of Construction and Maintenance and Vice President of Construction Service – a role he has held since 2009.

“Donald strives to have a great working relationship with his employees,” continued Bentley. He has an open door policy and encourages employees to think for themselves.” 

Appling recognized the need for more in-depth training for cooperative employees which led to the hiring of a full-time Manager of Safety and Training, a position created at Tri-County in 2013. He continues to work closely with the safety department developing and scheduling training for employees.

During Appling’s career, Tri-County EMC has received numerous No Lost Time Accidents awards – an accolade recognizing cooperatives that have no-lost time employee accidents in a calendar year. The cooperative also participates in the Safety Accreditation program through Georgia EMC and continues to receive top scores.  

The award is named in memory of Red Cofer and Leon Langston, two pioneers in the cooperative safety program. The honor is awarded annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to promoting training and safety in the rural electric program. 

« All News & Updates