At Wheatland Electric, ensuring a positive safety culture is at the core of everything we do.
We foster this culture through rigorous training, open communication, and a shared commitment to protecting the well-being of our employees, our cooperative members, and our communities.
By prioritizing safety in every decision, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to look out for one another and act with courage when it matters most.
At our annual Safety Summit held in Great Bend this past December, WEC leadership proudly introduced a new accolade — the WHEATLAND WARRIOR AWARD — to honor the selfless actions and unwavering courage of individuals who exemplify our guiding principle of Concern for Community and reinforce our positive safety culture. This award has been established to recognize employees who go above and beyond, embodying courage, compassion and selflessness in moments of crisis or need.
Whether responding to emergencies on the job or in their personal lives, these individuals exemplify what it means to care for others and to live out the cooperative spirit. The term “warrior” reflects the bravery and determination required to step up and make a difference, often inspiring others to do the same.
A Life Saved Through Swift Action
On what began as an ordinary day at WEC’s Garden City office on June 4, 2024, LUKE WEST’S quick thinking and leadership turned a potential tragedy into a story of hope.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., a distress call alerted employees to an individual pinned under a vehicle in the parking lot. Without hesitation, West, director of corporate services and water, retrieved critical safety equipment, including an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a bloodborne pathogen kit, before rushing to the scene outside.
Working alongside other employees, West helped secure a jack to lift the vehicle and free the unresponsive individual. Understanding the urgency of the matter, he began administering CPR, providing lifesaving compressions and breaths while applying AED pads. As emergency personnel arrived on the scene, the individual began breathing again, thanks to the decisive actions of West, and other WEC employees who responded to the incident.
Following the incident, local emergency responders commended WEC employees for their effective response, noting how rare it is to see bystanders act with such precision during high-stress situations. We believe West’s bravery and leadership in this life-threatening emergency embody the very essence of a Wheatland Warrior.
Heroes on the Backroads
In June 2024, CLAY SHELTON, line foreman, and ADAM PARKER, journeyman lineman, who both serve as local volunteer firefighters, faced an unimaginable tragedy on the dirt roads of Harper County. A 23-year-old driver lost control of her vehicle, which rolled several times before ejecting her into a nearby field. As they approached the scene, Shelton and Parker immediately stopped to help.
Amid the wreckage, they discovered an even more urgent situation: a one-month-old infant trapped upside down inside the crushed vehicle. Crawling through the back window, Clay freed the infant and ensured the child’s safety. The two men then turned their attention to the driver, providing assistance until emergency personnel arrived.
Though the day ended in heartbreak with the young mother’s passing, we believe the actions of Shelton and Parker exemplify the courage and compassion of Wheatland Warriors. Their decisive response and willingness to step up in the face of adversity underscore their deep commitment to their community and their cooperative.
A Legacy of Care and Courage
The inaugural presentation of the Wheatland Warrior award serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary acts of service and bravery that have taken place within our cooperative family. We believe Parker, Shelton and West have set an inspiring standard, demonstrating that our commitment to community extends far beyond the electricity we provide.
“These stories remind us of what it truly means to be a part of Wheatland Electric,” said Bruce W. Mueller, CEO/general manager. “It’s about looking out for one another, stepping up when it matters most, and embodying the values that make us more than just a workplace. We are a community.”
As we continue to prioritize safety and service, the Wheatland Warrior award will remain a beacon of recognition for those who embody the cooperative spirit. We hope these stories inspire all of us to be warriors for safety, service and one another.
