Mississippi Power line crew receives inaugural "Hands of Hope" award for heroic rescue

Laurel, Miss. - Mississippi Power’s Laurel line crew was recently honored with the first-ever Keith McMullen “Hands of Hope” Award by South Central Regional Medical Center’s ambulance service, EMServ, following their heroic, life-saving efforts in the community.

“These awards truly reflect the heart and character of our team,” said Laurel Area Manager Jake White. “The crew showed what it means to live out a Safety First mindset by staying alert, acting quickly and putting others first in a moment of real need. Their courage and compassion didn’t just save a life — they made a lasting impact on our community.”

Crew members Alex Sanders, Dekoven Wright, Jordan Hayes and Corey Malone were recognized for their bravery, quick thinking and life-saving actions during a recent medical emergency on Highway 15. While on the job, the team noticed a vehicle had veered off the road and discovered an elderly man unconscious inside. Drawing on their safety training, the crew administered life-saving care, including CPR and the use of an AED, to successfully restore the man’s pulse before emergency services arrived.

“You gentlemen jumped in and literally saved a life, and we really appreciate your response,” said Eric Dean, an EMServ paramedic who presented the award and was on-scene during the rescue. “Please know that your training and real-life efforts matter to our community. Thank you for all that you do.”

The “Hands of Hope” Award is named in memory of Keith McMullen, the late uncle of Metering Services Manager Matt Ball and Senior Safety & Health Specialist Jason Williamson. McMullen, a longtime paramedic and firefighter, was known for his compassion and dedication to serving others. The award honors individuals who exemplify those same values through extraordinary service and selflessness.

“We were just doing what we’ve been trained to do, but receiving this award really hits home,” said Lineman Alex Sanders. “It’s humbling to be honored in Keith McMullen’s name, and it reminds us that being prepared can make all the difference when someone’s life is on the line.”

The award presentation served as a moment of reflection and pride for the entire team, reinforcing the importance of safety training and Mississippi Power employees’ commitment to serving our communities — on and off the clock.

Now in its 100th year of service, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power is proud to be an industry leader in safety and reliability. The company was recognized in 2024 by the Southeastern Electric Exchange for the Top Safety Performance in its generation category. For outstanding storm response, the company has also been honored by the Edison Electric Institute multiple times with an Emergency Response Award. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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