Generations of Dedication: Fort Martin Power Station’s Father-Son Legacies Recognized Ahead of Father’s Day

As Father’s Day approaches, Mon Power’s Fort Martin Power Station takes center stage to showcase a remarkable story of familial dedication and a multi-generational legacy. For decades, fathers and sons have forged their paths within the plant, leaving an indelible mark on both the Maidsville, West Virginia, facility and their own lives.

In 1970, Jessie Monroe stepped into Fort Martin, right after the plant brought its second unit online. Little did he know that his decision would ignite a tradition that would resonate for years to come. Jessie served the station for 30 years before retiring in 2000.

Continuing his father’s legacy, Tim Monroe joined the company in 1983 as a plant mechanic at the Albright Power Station. When operations there started winding down, Tim sought new challenges and found himself at Fort Martin in 2008. 

With four decades of service, Tim, now a yard operator in material handling, embodies the dedication and expertise that run through his family’s veins.

"I’m proud to have followed in my father’s footsteps,” said Tim. “Our family has been the backbone of these power stations for generations. It’s more than just a job; it's a part of our heritage.”

The Monroe family’s involvement in the electric industry stretches back to the early 1900s when Tim’s grandfather contributed to the construction of West Virginia’s first steel transmission towers. 

For Tim's son, Josh Monroe, the opportunity to continue the family tradition arrived three years ago when he embarked on his career as an electrician at Fort Martin. Repairing the same equipment his grandfather once worked on fills Josh with a sense of pride and connection.

"At Fort Martin, I'm not just repairing machinery; I'm preserving our family's legacy," Josh said. "To be a part of something that my grandfather started over 20 years ago is truly special."

Beyond the Monroe family, the Huggins family has also left a lasting mark on Fort Martin Power Station. 

Steve Huggins, a work management planner, has been with the company for 42 years. His journey began when he joined the station at the age of 18, transitioning from the labor crew to the maintenance department.

Inspired by his father's mechanical prowess, Jeff Huggins, the third generation, followed a vocational-technical path, laying the groundwork for his future career. In 2015, Jeff joined the company's Mobile Maintenance group and, in 2018, accepted a position as a master mechanic at Fort Martin. 

Together, Steve and Jeff exemplify the station's spirit of problem-solving and unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.  

Tim Monroe highlighted the sense of camaraderie that permeates the station.

“We genuinely care about one another, on and off the job. It's like being part of a big family," he said.

As Father’s Day approaches, Fort Martin Power Station stands as a symbol of the profound connections and unwavering dedication between fathers and sons. Through their hard work and unwavering commitment, these families have not only shaped the station’s history but also solidified their place within it. 

Photos of the father-son pairs are available for download on Flickr. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Catlett, (440) 554-5346