A broken leg is not what anyone would want for a life-changing experience, but in Tucker Livingston’s case it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The Good Hope High School and Wallace State Community graduate had joined the Air Force, and less than a year into service suffered a broken leg in an accident. While recuperating and knowing that a medical discharge was ahead, Livingston pondered what to do next.

After some research and being accepted into the Southeast Lineman Training Cemter in Trenton, Georgia, Livingston found what he wanted.

At the conclusion of the intense 15-week course, Livingston graduated among 260 participants from across the nation with the highest honor and several other awards. The awards at graduation included Woodwalker of the Week, Most Outstanding, Best All Around, and the prestigious William Wester Haynes SLIM Award.

“We spent the first segment of the course climbing a utility poll about a hundred times a day, in addition to the studies,” Livingston said. “You had to become accustomed to the height and the equipment and understand what it’s like. The class work was intense, too, a lot like college.”

After mastering the poll climbing, Livingston and his classmates learned to build power lines and transformers and all of the safety aspects of handling equipment that transmits electricity.

“It’s a lot to learn, but very interesting,” he said. “Electricity is valuable to everyone but is very dangerous. We learned all about how the system works and what to do when you go out for emergency calls.”

The course was equal to about six months of study and training, he said, but landing a position with a power company will fulfill his desire to have a job that keeps him outdoors and working with his hands.

“I just know that’s what I want. I always like to be outside and having a skill where you use your hands and carry the right knowledge with you,” Livingston said.

His mother, Rachel Harbison of Cullman, said she learned when Livingston was accepted into the program that is rated the top training center in the nation for electrical work involving power lines.

“I know we are proud of him for doing so well with so many people from across the country in the program,” Harbison said. “This was his goal, to be accepted and do his best, and he did.”

Livingston is now interviewing for jobs and has had some opportunities extended to him far outside the region and another close by. With family in Cullman County, including his wife, Nichole, and sons Linkoln, 3, and Asher, 2 months, he hopes to remain locally or at least within a short distance.

“Having grown up here and loving this area, it would be great to work in Cullman County, but the good thing is there are opportunities already,” Livingston said. “I think it’s great work and provides a service that everyone needs. That broken leg really became a blessing in disguise.”

 David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.