Fast Five: Avista lineman Brad Compton

Meet Brad Compton, a dedicated, enthusiastic person. He will take on a challenge and won't stop until the job or task gets to a point of satisfaction, and that may take a year or a lifetime. He feels incredibly blessed to have been born and raised in the Inland Northwest.

Generation: Gen X.

Career and community involvement: I have worked at Washington Water Power/Avista for 34-and-a-half years. I became a journeyman lineman in 1988, then a line serviceman in 1994. Over the years I've been a first aid instructor; safety chairman; public safety, youth safety and line school instructor; and customer service trainer (electric).

Community includes Little League (coach, umpire, field maintenance, equipment purchases, board of directors), Junior Tackle football (coach, board of directors) and youth basketball coach. I umpired baseball 23 years: youth, high school, American Legion and college. I served on the North Idaho Officials Association (NIOA) board of directors for eight years. I've been the Ski Shack Ski and Snowboard Team president seven years to present. Many volunteer days, school districts, local cities, Coeur d'Alene Park and Rec, Ski Shack team kickball tournament, Doug E. Fresh Banked Slalom!

Parental status: I have three kids; my wife has two kids; and four grandkids.

1. When and why did you become a powerlineman?

I hired on with Washington Water Power in 1984, and after an apprenticeship, I was a journeyman lineman in 1988. My dad Jerry was a lineman and I followed in his footsteps.

2. What's the most interesting thing you've seen from atop a power pole?

I have seen quite a few unique things from atop a power pole. One of the most unique has been flying squirrels. They nest in old woodpecker holes in the pole and when they come out it can be quite exciting, for them and me!

3. What do you enjoy about helping with the Doug E. Fresh Banked Slalom each year?

My favorite part of the Doug E. Fresh is the day of competition. It is one of the most supportive events I've been a part of. The volunteers and competitors are the coolest ever. And of course being able to support kids with funds from the event is priceless.

4. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

I'm 57 years old and try to snowboard 50 days a year.

5. What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

If you're not satisfied with the way things are going with anything that you are not involved in, instead of complaining join in, sign up, get involved and make a positive difference.

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Devin Weeks can be reached by email: dweeks@cdapress.com Follow her on Twitter: @DevinCDAPress