The phone call to the Warren residence came in early July. It was a complete surprise to Willie Warren, his daughters having shielded the reason for the call from him, only so they could both see the expression on his face upon learning he would be honored as an inductee into The Lineman Hall of Fame.
Willie, now 90 years old and living in Bakersfield, was more than happy to share many of his life experiences on a recent Zoom call. This prestigious honor left Mr. Warren full of gratitude, and humbled by the notion of being recognized nationally as the first Black lineman to work for PG&E.
The Warren family moved to Buttonwillow, California in 1939, when Willie was just four years old. They spent a year living in a railroad boxcar while his parents saved enough money to move into a house in nearby Bakersfield.
Willie entered the Air Force after high school, spending four years as an engineering draftsman. He served tours in both Japan and Korea.
After completing his military service, Willie returned to Bakersfield and was soon hired by PG&E as a warehouseman, joining IBEW 1245 in1959. Shortly afterward, he bid into the electric department as a groundman.
After topping out as a lineman in the mid-1960s, Willie worked as a troubleman and later earned the highly specialized barehand certification to work on energized 500kV power lines.
Willie ended his career in management at PG&E and had this to say about being an IBEW member, “Regardless of whether I was a union member, or in management, my respect for what IBEW 1245 did for its members never wavered. They helped write safety rules that got me home each night. For that I am eternally grateful.”
“Willie Warren blazed a trail with skill, courage, and strength. His induction into the Lineman Hall of Fame is a tribute to his legacy and to the generations he’s inspired. We’re incredibly proud to call him one of our own,” said Bob Dean, Business Manager, IBEW 1245.
Willie and several family members are planning to attend his induction ceremony this October at the International Linemen’s Rodeo in Kansas City.
We look forward to celebrating this well-deserved honor with him in person.