Lighting Services’ employee receives President’s Award

When Mississippi Power’s Greg Parker witnessed a car accident earlier this year, he didn’t hesitate to jump into action.

That willingness to help others in need may have saved a life and also earned him a President’s Award, presented by CEO Ed Holland.

“You never know when you’re going to be put in a situation where your actions could save another person’s life,” Holland said. “I’m proud of all our employees who don’t just go through safety training, but embrace it and apply it if called upon.”

While driving to work one day, Parker – a Lighting Engineering &Services analyst – witnessed a two vehicle collision in Saucier.

Parker pulled over and was the first to respond to one of the vehicles, which had smoke and fuel coming from under it. The driver of the car was in shock and injured.

Parker, and another motorist who stopped to help, decided to remove the driver from the car for fear that the vehicle might catch on fire. The two moved the injured driver into the cab of Parker’s company truck.

After seeing a car seat in the car, he checked with the driver to make sure there were no children still in the vehicle. The driver had just dropped her child off at daycare, but Parker checked the vehicle again to be sure. He also administered first aid assistance until emergency response crews could arrive.

The company began honoring employees with the award in 1986. Parker is the 67th recipient of a President’s Award.