Turk Plant Maintenance Supervisor named Volunteer of the Year

By Dale Gathright, Jr., 03/18/24 10:31 PM

From the left, Vice President of External Affairs Brian Bond, Turk Maintenance Supervisor David Rumsey, who was named SWEPCO’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year and External Affairs Manager Mark Robinson.

SHREVEPORT, LA – John W. Turk Jr. Power Plant Maintenance Supervisor David Rumsey has been named SWEPCO’s inaugural Volunteer of the Year.

The surprise announcement was made by SWEPCO Vice President of External Affairs Brian Bond at a Feb. 29 recognition lunch honoring 10 employees who are making an impact in their communities through volunteerism.

David serves as a sergeant in the reserve unit of the Atlanta Police Department. Early into his career at Welsh Power Plant, the East Texas Police Academy held a nine-month academy in his hometown of Atlanta, Texas. David attended class for four hours every weeknight to graduate. He signed up with the reserve unit in late 2006, and he now spends hundreds of hours each year patrolling and covering shifts, occasionally alongside his wife, who is a full-time officer. In addition to being a sergeant of the reserve department, David also volunteers throughout the year at multiple school and city events.

“David’s passion for helping others is truly inspiring,” Bond said. “His selfless acts of kindness have touched the lives of many, and we are proud to have him as part of the SWEPCO family. This award is a testament to his hard work and commitment to making his community a better place.”

David logged more than 300 volunteer hours in 2023.

“Volunteering with the police department is my way of giving back to my community,” David said. “My parents always gave back to their community, and it’s just something that they instilled in us.”

In addition to David, nine other employees were celebrated for their service and commitment to a variety of organizations and causes across their respective communities. These individuals were selected based on volunteer activities logged through the Caring Together portal.  The AEP Caring Together program uses a volunteer tool to help employees find and engage in volunteer opportunities and even record their own individual volunteer activities