Today is National Lineworker Appreciation Day, a time to recognize the men and women who keep the lights on while working in some of the most hazardous conditions imaginable. For AEP Texas Line Crew Leader Fred Bouvier, serving others extends beyond restoring power.

Bouvier recently was among five people honored by the Laredo Police Department for helping rescue passengers from a plane crash in Laredo. City leaders, first responders, elected officials and community members gathered during a ceremony recognizing the group for their actions that helped save five lives. 

"That night, I was on shift duty," Bouvier said. "As I pulled out slowly, I came across what I realized was a plane. You never expect to see a plane."

After arriving, Bouvier joined a police officer and other Good Samaritans working to reach passengers trapped inside the aircraft. Following the officer's instructions, Bouvier retrieved a fire extinguisher and tools from his truck before helping contain flames around the wing.

"The officer started breaking the window with his baton and yelled to me, 'Go to the truck. Get some tools. Get a hammer. We need to break it open," Bouvier recalled.

As flames subsided, the aircraft door opened slightly from the inside. Because of his height - standing 6 feet, 3 inches tall - Bouvier helped hold the door open while passengers escaped.

"The pilot yelled, 'It's going to blow!'" Bouvier said. "We all looked at each other, but nobody left the side of the plane. There were still two more people trapped inside."

After the five survivors escaped, Bouvier used supplies from his truck to help care for them.

"Some of the kids were barefoot," he said. "We used my first aid kit to treat them and comfort them. You could see it in their eyes that they were terrified, but they were thankful to be alive."

Four Bouvier, the rescue shows the same commitment to service the defines lineworkers across AEP Texas.

"In our line of work, it's always important to help people," he said. "AEP employees have gone into burning homes and helped people escape fires."

He also credited the company's safety culture for preparing employees to respond during emergencies.

"One of the things AEP teaches us during CPR training is, 'Don't become another victim,'" Bouvier said. "That's the first thing that popped into my mind. But then I said, 'You know what? No. I need to get out.'"

Despite the recognition, Bouvier remains humble about his role.

"I don't really feel like a hero," he said. "I'm very grateful to be recognized. Maybe it just hasn't fully hit me yet, but I'm thankful for the recognition and thankful that I'm here today to share my story."