Our Stories: Inspiration From a Man She Never Met

This holiday season, Carrie Shustack, O&R Financial Services Sr. Analyst, urges colleagues to embrace and practice our safety protocols, for the sake of their loved ones.

Orange & Rockland’s biggest priority is to ensure that employees perform their work safely and return to their families in the same condition they came to work in. Sadly, Joseph Kocur, Carrie’s grandfather and former lineman for a utility in Upstate New York, died in the line of duty in 1951 when he was struck by a drunk driver while exiting a utility hole. 

Though the accident occurred many years before she was born, Shustack said that her grandfather’s passing has inspired her to practice and educate others about our zero-harm culture.

“The safety standards and protocols that we know today were not as prevalent when he passed,” Shustack said. “If you worked for a utility company then, you understood the life risks that you were taking. Federal safety regulations have drastically evolved since then. It’s so important that we practice them.”

Shustack said the death of her grandfather was never spoken about throughout her childhood, not even by her mother, who was only 10 years old at the time of the accident. It was not until shortly before her grandmother’s passing in 2012 that pictures and stories were shared about her late grandfather. Considering the close-knit relationship she had with her grandmother; she was surprised to learn about him so late in life.

“My grandmother and mother always put on a happy face throughout my childhood despite how difficult their lives were after my grandfather’s passing,” she said. 

After learning more about her grandfather, the puzzle pieces came together for Shustack and her journey of embracing a safer lifestyle began. Prior to his recent retirement, her husband coincidentally worked for the same utility as her grandfather. Despite working in the finance department at the company, he would often come home and preach safety-first values to his family. 

Having never worked in the utility industry before, Shustack joined O&R in May 2021 and was blown away by the safety protocols and practices that are conveyed to employees throughout all departments. Shustack says it’s extremely comforting to work for a company that embraces and advocates for a zero-harm environment. 

Though her grandfather’s unexpected death had unique and unfortunate circumstances, she encourages all O&R employees to take what they’ve learned and pass it on to family and friends.

After completing O&R’s Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program, Shustack told the story of her grandfather as part of her final presentation. Despite never knowing him, she proudly carries his legacy with her and incorporates his story in her work and personal life.

“Carrie’s message was heartfelt and showed true concerns for all employees,” said Denis Smalley, director of O&R Facilities and Services. “She showed great appreciation for the tools that are available to us, but most importantly, how we should all be looking out for one another to make sure we go home safely.”