Co-op News
Co-op Employee is Super Volunteer
Lumbee River EMC Safety Director Steve Sampson wears a lot of hats.
Steve Sampson of Lumbee River EMC is a very busy man, even in his spare time. (Photo By: Lumbee River EMC)
The former lineman is not only a volunteer firefighter and a tribal leader of the Lumbee Nation, he is also an active team dad who supports his players both on and off the field. “It’s just hard to tell people ‘no’ when you know they’re in need,” Sampson said, when asked why he gives up so much of his own time.
He got involved in youth sports with his kids, and got involved with the fire department when he traded his lineman’s tools for the co-op safety director’s hardhat. “I joined the fire company to learn first aid and CPR and found a passion for it,” he said.
Sampson also mentors several teenage boys who are growing up in single-parent households. “Steve spends a lot of time with his kids and several others who couldn’t be involved without that support,” said Ruby Clark, Lumbee River EMC’s community relations specialist. “Those are good lessons he’s passing on that could really make a difference in these boys’ lives.”
All of this high-energy community involvement prompted Clark to nominate Sampson for a Touchstone Energy® Power and Hope award. “For fundraising and a helping hand, Steve is the ‘go-to guy’ in his community.” Clark said. “He always finds a way to help out.”