Construction workers often get stereotyped for being gruff cat-callers, but truthfully, the industry is filled with men and women who are willing and able to step up to help in times of need. Each year, we scour the news to find stories of construction workers and companies going above and beyond to serve their communities. Below you'll find 7 great examples from last year.
If you, your co-worker or your company have done something you think is worthy of our list next year, please let us know in the comments or contact us directly here!
1. 300 Plumbers Poured Into Flint, Michigan, To Install Water Filters For Free
Residents of Flint, Michigan have been dealing with problems with their drinking water since 2014, with many still unable to consume the tap water in their home. With a number of Flint residents unable to afford a water filter system and many others also requiring a new faucet to fit the filter, around 300 union plumbers from United Association Local 370 have been volunteering their time to install these systems in resident’s houses.
Full Story: 300 Plumbers Poured Into Flint, Michigan, To Install Water Filters For Free | Huffpost
2. Students showcase construction skills in project to help the homeless
20 different teams of construction trades students in the state of Washington not only worked on perfecting their building skills last year, but also helped the homeless in the process.
As part of a statewide competition, each of the teams built a shelter, which would then be judged in Olympia, Washington. After the competition, the completed shelters will be shipped to Seattle to be used as transitional homeless housing for some local residents.
You can learn more about the competition here: http://www.wtb.wa.gov/CTEHomelessHouseProject.asp
Full Story: Students showcase construction skills in project to help the homeless | The News Tribune
3. 'Miracle kitten' rescued from Mississippi River by construction worker
Construction workers really have a knack for rescuing kittens. In 2015, a construction worker saved a kitten that was trapped in a dumpster, unable to move due to dried paint and concrete.
Last year, another construction worker saved a kitten. This time, though, the kitten was floating in the Mississippi river when the worker spotted and rescued her. Unfortunately, Bouy, as the cat is now known, had suffered a fractured leg and hypothermia, so both her leg and tail had to be amputated. The Louisiana SPCA thanked the construction worker for saving the kitten.
Full Story: 'Miracle kitten' rescued from Mississippi River by construction worker | nola.com
4. Construction team hailed as heroes in hard hats
When nearby construction workers noticed small flames coming from a house, they rushed towards it in order to get whoever was inside to safety. Several people were inside the two-story house and all were able to be rescued, thanks to the quick actions of the workers.
Full Story: Construction team hailed as heroes in hard hats | Boston Herald
5. Construction crew rescues science teacher after Firestone home explosion
After a home explosion in Denver, Colorado rocked an entire neighborhood, nearby construction workers sprang to action, helping to free a woman from the rubble.
Using a forklift to help lift the collapsed house up, the crew, led by foreman Brendon Hirlihy, saved local high school teacher Erin Martinez. Sadly, two others were also inside the house and were killed by the explosion. Martinez was released from the hospital about a month later.
It was recently reported by 9News that an abandoned, severed gas line that was still connected to a nearby oil and gas well was what caused the explosion.
Full Story: Construction crew rescues science teacher after Firestone home explosion | 9News.com
6. Seattle Company Solves Your Plumbing Problems While Donating to Cure Cancer
It’s not enough for plumbing company Plumbers for a Cure to help their community by servicing their plumbing systems, they also donate a portion of all their fees to the customer’s choice of five different charities. According to the Plumbers for a Cure website, the group has already raised over $120,000 to help cure cancer. The 5 non-profits that customers are able to choose from are the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, Fred Hutch, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Cancer Pathways.
Full Story: Seattle Company Solves Your Plumbing Problems While Donating to Cure Cancer | PR Newswire
7. HEROS: San Jose construction worker, homeless woman rescue baby in Soledad kidnapping
A construction worker in San Jose, California was pivotal in the rescue of a 14-month-old child that had been kidnapped during a carjacking.
Colin Blevin got to work around 7am that day and noticed some people arguing and then saw a child inside of a parked car in sweltering summer heat. With the help of a homeless woman, the two were able to determine that the man who was driving the car was not the father of the child and pulled baby Emiliano from it.
The suspect drove away, but the police were able to arrest him later that day. The child’s true father had left his child in the car as he rushed back into his home to grab his lunch early that same morning. When he came back out, his car with the child still inside had been stolen.
Construction workers often get stereotyped for being gruff cat-callers, but truthfully, the industry is filled with men and women who are willing and able to step up to help in times of need. Each year, we scour the news to find stories of construction workers and companies going above and beyond to serve their communities. Below you'll find 7 great examples from last year.