IMUA Trainers

Terry Coker
Principal TJC Utility Services, Inc.
Petersburg , IL

One of two contractual trainers employed by IMUA, Terry began providing safety and training services for IMUA and its member utilities under a contractual agreement in late November 2003. Primarily responsible for conducting the association's monthly on-site safety meeting program, Terry also assists with the development of electric-line and technical training opportunities for IMUA and the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) in conjunction with the Tennessee Valley Public Power Authority (TVPPA).

A 35-year veteran of the former Central Illinois Public Service Co. (CIPS) and AmerenCIPS, Terry began his utility career in 1968 as a meter reader in the CIPS Macomb Office. He progressed to journeyman lineworker, line crew foreman and utility foreman before being named safety supervisor for the CIPS Western Division in 1990. He completed his career as district superintendent for the AmerenCIPS Petersburg office, which provided energy service to more than 19,000 electric and natural gas customers.

While serving as CIPS Division Safety Supervisor, Terry initiated and organized that company's first-ever participation in the National Lineman's Rodeo competition. In addition, employees under his supervision achieved the highest company safety award for three consecutive years, logging more than 600,000 man-hours of no lost-time, accident-free work. Terry also is well-versed in OSHA-required training, and developed a substation training program to improve lineworker knowledge and safety in both emergency and routine substation operations.

Al Thorson
Safety & Training Consulting, Inc.
Hinckley , IL

A part-time contractual training instructor for IMUA since June 2000, Al served for the last six years as a full-time safety and training instructor for the Naperville Public Utilities Department, where he retired in October 2004 after more than 30 years of service.

A certified OSHA instructor and investigator, Al has extensive fire safety and training experience and background regarding the operation and use of heavy equipment such as end-loaders, back hoes, fork lifts and bulldozers.