Kissel retires after 36 rewarding years

John Kissel, line foreman at High Plains Power, began his career in Thermopolis in 1980 at the ripe age of 26. He stayed with the company until he retired on Wednesday after 36 years of hard work.

"I've been truly blessed to have worked in one profession for this long and this is only my second job ever," Kissel said. "God has blessed me in that respect. To walk away from it, that's the hardest thing. It isn't easy, but it's been a great life for me."

Kissel said helping others was the most important aspect of not only his career but his life as well.

"There's a lot of pride in what we do," he said. "We're always helping people and it's very rewarding."

Being a lineman for High Plains Power is a dangerous profession and safety is of utmost importance, Kissel said.

"With line work, your office is outdoors," he said. "You work in all types of weather, from knee- or waist-deep snow to lightning storms. Lightning storms are the most frightening. When you do something in a storm situation, you get this adrenaline. Plus, you're restoring power to people which makes it feel important."

Kissel said another important aspect of his profession is the camaraderie with his coworkers.

"Anytime you go up and grab 14,000 volts, it's dangerous, especially when you have lightning bouncing around you," he said. "You're life depends on your pole buddy in those situations. Being a pole buddy is a very important thing. That's what your supposed to do is look out for each other."

The residents of Thermopolis are also good about looking out for one another, which is one of the great things about this community, Kissel said.

"This community, with all of their fundraisers for those in need, I love to support them," he said. "It's very rewarding to help and see this community come together to help others."

Not only was Kissel instrumental at High Plains Power, he is also an elder at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, a husband, a father to three children and a grandfather to four children.

"This is a great community to live in," Kissel said. "I couldn't think of a better place to raise children. The people here have always been super friendly. When you're just about out of the canyon and you see the red hills, you know you're home. Thermopolis is home."

Despite retiring from High Plains Power, Kissel said he is looking forward to spending the remainder of his life here in Thermopolis.

"With my career, you're always up for the challenge," he said. "Every single day is a challenge. That's the way I've always looked at it. You never stop learning. I'm not done learning yet."