Jimmy Ferris, Klein Tools Electrician of the Year
IBEW Local 1245 member Jimmy Ferris, a high-voltage substation electrician with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), has been selected as the Klein Tools National Electrician of the Year.
As Electrician of the Year, Ferris wins an all-expenses paid vacation to one of four iconic destinations that all include a tie-in to massive electrical operations: Sturgis, South Dakota, Las Vegas, New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina. His prize package also includes $1,500 worth of Klein Tools products.
“I’m completely honored and absolutely blown away,” said Ferris. “Our craft is full of amazing tradesman that love what we do for a living. One of the things I love about my craft is the brothers I work with. We are family.”
Ferris was one of six regional finalists in the running for the national award. Online voting took place in September, and the winner was announced on Sept. 28.
Ferris was recently recognized by SMUD for stopping to assist an elderly woman with two flat tires on an extremely hot summer day. He removed the two wheels, had the tires replaced at his expense and reinstalled them at the side of the freeway. Ferris had not told anyone of the good deed, but the woman’s grandson shared the news with the utility’s general manager, and word spread quickly through the company newsletter.
The journeyman electrician and construction foreman has also been recognized by many for instilling the value of safety with his crews. He has led numerous executive-level safety presentations and served on a joint labor/management committee that decreased preventable vehicle accidents from 27 to 7 in one year. Even during his off-duty volunteer work, Ferris shares work safety techniques to ensure every crew he works with remains safe while on the job.
“I’m very happy and proud to be a part of this brotherhood,” Ferris said. “Thank you to everyone for the support. And thank you 1245 for continuing the fight towards a safer better work environment.”