John “JJ” VanRiel, a former lineworker for Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), recently celebrated his 90th birthday. VanRiel began his career with FPL in 1956 as a helper and later became a lineworker after six years of apprenticeship. He worked along Florida’s east coast, including Brevard County and Miami-Dade County.
Reflecting on his time with the company, VanRiel recalled memories such as responding to hurricane restorations in cities like Naples, St. Augustine, and Miami, particularly after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. “It was something else,” said VanRiel. “Everything was down.”
VanRiel also shared stories about the camaraderie among lineworkers and recounted how he sometimes faced playful remarks from his wife due to work commitments during storms. “There was a hurricane coming and we were held over to secure the yard before we could get home…and she said, ‘you love the company more than you love me!’” he said.
For his milestone birthday, an FPL crew visited VanRiel at his current residence in Stuart with a bucket truck similar to those he used during his career. “[The bucket truck] looks exactly like what I had!” JJ said while observing updates such as tinted windows and automatic transmissions.
VanRiel retired from FPL in December 1997 after 41 years of service and received an appreciation plaque from the South Dade Operations team. He remains interested in advancements made by FPL since his retirement, noting improvements like concrete poles and automated switching technology.
Larry Gross, area manager for FPL Treasure Coast, commented on the significance of celebrating with VanRiel: “To listen to his stories and his memories of all the things he did in his career was amazing. We couldn’t be happier and prouder to celebrate his birthday with him.”
