Memorial Honors Electrical Workers Killed on Duty

Flags at Pasadena city buildings flew at half-staff and flowers adorned a small monument in San Rafael Hills on Friday in memory of five Department of Water and Power workers killed over the years.

Seven years ago to the day, an underground electrical vault exploded, killing three city employees working in it.

The monument is near the spot where foreman Glenn Wise, 50, and cable splicers Brian Miles, 36, and Larry Hokenson, 38, died.

Another monument in front of the Pasadena power building bears the names of the men and two others who died in 1962. Ralph “Shorty” Alexander and Johnny Long were killed in an underground explosion as they were trying to determine the cause of a blackout.

“[Being an] electrical worker is the fourth most hazardous occupation in the nation, and there is a law of averages, unfortunately,” said Larry Rutherford, a DWP supervisor. “These employees are not only remembered as work mates but as good friends.”