For close to 30 years, Carl Hoops served as an electrical lineman for the Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) near Massapequa, New York. He worked on a daily basis to keep the power on in the Hicksville community and beyond, a task that required him to climb ladders and wooden poles to reach high-voltage wires. Responsible for repairing lines that carried 13,000 volts, Carl Hoops of Massapequa went out in all weather conditions to restore the system.

Mr. Hoops took care to abide by all safety procedures, including the wearing of rubber gloves and sleeves. The winner of numerous safety awards over the course of his career, he also achieved perfect attendance for more than 20 years of his tenure with the company. He accomplished this while raising his son as a single father.

A longtime member of the 10-49 Electrical Labor Union, Mr. Hoops ran for a board position in 2007. His campaign received a positive response, and he fell short of the position by just one vote.