May 24, 2018

As he closes in on retirement, Dan Syx reflects on a distinguished 48-year career with Ohio Edison. “I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve never had an OSHA-recordable incident or chargeable motor vehicle accident,” he says. “That includes more than 21 years as a lineman.”

Dan’s final work day is scheduled for May 25. Appropriately enough, he’ll retire from a special assignment as a safety coach for Ohio Edison and Penn Power. “Dan is a really good guy and very safety conscious. He has a ton of experience and really communicates well with other employees,” says Jesse LaFromboise, general manager, Regional Operations Services.

Dan previously served as a manager of Operations Services. As a safety coach, he travels with supervisors and managers to observe field crews and talk about safety. “My message is to focus on safety by doing the right thing for the right reason – and that’s you and your family,” Dan says.

When it comes to the Syx family, the apple doesn’t fall far from the Ohio Edison tree. Dan’s son, Andy Syx, is a supervisor in Line & Substations, while his daughter, Ashley Syx, is a transmission scheduler at the Akron Control Center. He also has a nephew, Tim Syx, who’s a lineman at the Fairlawn Service Center. “We talk about safety all of the time,” Dan says.

When discussing the subject, Dan stresses the need to focus on the task at hand. “On every job, I’ve tried to focus on safety first because I’ve never wanted my actions to result in anyone getting hurt, including myself.”

Dan is a member of Ohio Edison’s Quarter Century of Safety Club for employees with at least 25 years without an OSHA-recordable incident. “Line work is line work,” he says. “Over the years, it’s become easier because the tools and equipment are better. But you still have to maintain that focus when it comes to safety.”

In retirement, Dan plans to spend more time with family, including his six-year-old twin granddaughters. “Working at Ohio Edison has always been an interesting job. It’s never boring – and that includes the people,” he says with a laugh. “I’ve met so many different characters over the years.”

Dan Syx (far right) with (from left) daughter-in-law Lindsay, son Andy, daughter Ashley and wife Cherie at the 2016 Michigan-Ohio State football game.