Two Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative lineworkers who came to the aid of a
seriously injured fellow lineworker during a historic spring ice storm have been
selected to receive the 2026 WECA Cooperative Hero Award.
Trevin Jensen and Quentin Muska were selected for their calm, professional
response after Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative electrical technician Patrick
“Pat” Ostrowski suffered a traumatic ankle injury while the three were working to
restore power near Lake Helen on April 4. Jensen and Muska were among the
outside crews assisting Central Wisconsin through Wisconsin’s Restoration of Power
in an Emergency (ROPE) mutual aid program.
Trevin Jensen and Quentin Muska.
The emergency unfolded amid one of the most difficult restoration efforts Central
Wisconsin has ever experienced. Two ice storms caused widespread damage across the cooperative’s territory, at one point leaving more than 6,000 meters—about 75% of CWEC’s system—without power. Twenty-four additional lineworkers joined the restoration effort.
Jensen and Muska were working alongside Ostrowski at a member’s home when
Ostrowski slipped on wet, icy landscape timbers. The injury was immediately
apparent and severe. Muska came down from the roof where he had been working,
and the two Chippewa Valley lineworkers quickly shifted from power restoration to
emergency response.
Their regular safety training took over. Jensen contacted Ostrowski’s supervisor,
retrieved a first-aid kit, thermal blanket and pillow, and worked with Muska to keep
Ostrowski warm and comfortable while avoiding unnecessary movement. Jensen
also documented the time and dosage of pain meds taken so medical personnel
would have accurate information. Both lineworkers participate in monthly safety
training and maintain first aid and CPR certification.
“The things I learned during first aid training kicked in as second nature,” Jensen
said. “I was surprised at how smoothly things went and I knew it was because of the
training I’ve had throughout the years.”
Their assistance continued after Ostrowski’s wife arrived. Because she was
uncomfortable backing her vehicle up the steep, icy driveway, Jensen did it for her.
Jensen and Muska then helped Ostrowski into the vehicle so she could take him to
the hospital. His injuries eventually required multiple surgeries, including
reconstructive surgery with plates and screws, and kept him out of work for about
three months.
Ostrowski said he remains grateful for their response.
“They were really nice guys. Very polite and really decent guys to work with,” he
said. “I had an excellent experience working with Trevin and Quentin and I’m
thankful for the way they responded after I fell.”
Chippewa Valley President and CEO Russ Falkenberg said their actions exemplified
the cooperative spirit.
“I am incredibly grateful for the actions of Trevin and Quentin, who stepped up
without hesitation to assist a fellow lineman in need while working to restore power
following the storm,” Falkenberg said. “Their willingness to put their training into
action and care for a fellow member of the electric cooperative family reflects the
very best of who we are.”
The incident also demonstrated two hallmarks of the electric cooperative community:
preparation and cooperation. Jensen and Muska had traveled outside their own
service territory because another cooperative needed help. When that restoration
mission suddenly became a medical emergency, the same spirit of looking out for
one another guided their response.
The Cooperative Hero Award will be formally presented to Jensen and Muska at the
2026 WECA Annual Meeting on Nov. 11.
Congratulations, Trevin and Quentin, recipients of the 2026 Cooperative Hero Award!
