Blake Allen was heading home from work on a chilly evening in March when he saw a car wrecked and ablaze with the driver trapped inside. Without a second thought, he pulled over, grabbed his fire extinguisher and ran toward the stranger trapped in the burning car.
Drew Seidel, SWEPCO vice president for distribution region operations, at left, presents senior lineman Blake Allen with the AEP Hero Award.
People were trying to pull the driver out the passenger side door, but his leg was jammed beneath the steering column and fire wall in the crushed and burning vehicle. Blake stretched into the burning car, wrenched the man’s leg free and pulled him to safety across the road. Then he went back to the fire which was spreading to nearby woods and fought the blaze until his extinguisher ran dry and emergency responders arrived.
Blake, a senior lineman for SWEPCO’s Fayetteville District in Arkansas, was presented the American Electric Power Hero Award this month for his actions that saved a life and prevented the devastating fire from becoming worse.
The AEP Hero Award is given to employees who perform acts of heroism in their communities. SWEPCO is an operating company within AEP.
“He put his training into action without pause, demonstrating the kind of readiness and selflessness that reflects the very best of our team. I’m proud of Blake - not just for his quick thinking and bravery, but for the humility he showed afterward, recognizing the efforts of the other men and viewing the moment as an opportunity to help someone in need,” Troy Merle, distribution systems supervisor at the Rogers Dock and Blake’s supervisor, wrote in the nomination. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the impact our employees can have beyond the scope of their daily responsibilities. Blake’s actions speak volumes about his character and commitment to service.”
Blake looked out at the tables of his friends, fellow linemen and coworkers as he received the AEP Hero Award and told them how much he appreciated them.
“I just appreciate all the guys that are here. It is kind of family – guys look out for each other, take ownership of situations to get things done,” Blake said. “Anyone here would do the same because we work in dangerous situation and we have to make decisions and take action to get things done safely.”
Drew Seidel, vice president of Distribution Region Operations read a letter from Brett Mattison, SWEPCO president and COO. “This was a selfless act. You came upon a situation and took definitive action. You may not consider yourself a hero, however you are…You threw yourself in harm’s way to assist another human. … I’m proud to work alongside you.”
Blake’s wife Melissa and Aaron, the oldest of their 10 children were in attendance.
“This is just who he is,” Melissa Allen said. “He is there to help no matter what.”
The Rogers, Arkansas dock celebrated Blake with a seafood boil.