Carroll County Electric General Manager Ryan Drewry used his time before the board on Wednesday to praise the passage of the Chance Carlton Act and the woman who, through a time of tremendous grief, made it happen.
“Last year, Samantha Carlton made a promise to our linemen, and she has delivered on her promise,” Drewry told the Board of Directors at their regular meeting on April 30.
Chance Carlton, 32, of Huntingdon, died on April 3, 2025, while responding to storm-related power outages. He left behind his wife Samantha, and two young daughters.
The Chance Carlton Act, which recently passed both chambers of the General Assembly and awaits Governor Lee’s signature, would provide a $50,000 annual annuity for five years to the estate of a lineman killed in the line of duty during a declared state of emergency.
Drewry noted the bill’s significance.
“That’s a big deal, to give electrical lineman classification as a first responder,” he said.
He credited Representative Dennis Powers (District 36), Representative Brock Martin (District 79), and Senator John Stevens (District 24) for their work in the legislature, and recognized the broad support the bill received, with the list of sponsors growing continuously as it moved through both chambers.
“These bills all passed through committee, subcommittee, and floor vote unanimously — not a single no vote,” Drewry said.
Board Chair Lori Nolen also praised Samantha Carlton’s effort.
“We’re seeing her strength and being able to go through this and make something really great out of it for others,” Nolen said.
Drewry said the department recently held a one-year anniversary event honoring Chance Carlton’s memory.
“Lots of stories and some joy and laughter,” Drewry said. “It was a good time. Very, very well needed for everybody.”
Carroll County Electric commended Samantha Carlton for her advocacy on behalf of linemen statewide.