L.U. 50 (u), RICHMOND, VA — Jan. 14 started as just a regular day at work for Donald Flora and Leslie Conner. The two Virginia Natural Gas operations mechanics were performing routine maintenance on a commercial meter set in the Atlantic Shores retirement community in Virginia Beach when they heard someone screaming. They found an 83-year-old woman who had been walking her dog and was being attacked by a nutria, a large rodent.
Flora, a 30-year union member, and Conner, a 39-year union member, ran to her assistance, kicking the animal until it released the woman from its bite. They immediately called 911 and waited for paramedics to arrive, and the woman was soon transported to the hospital.
“This rodent was similar in size to a dog, looked like a beaver with a long, rat-like tail, and we hope to never see one again,” said the mechanics, who were pleased that they were able to assist the woman. She is still recovering from the incident.
Local 50 represents hourly workers of Virginia Natural Gas, Dominion Energy, Monongahela Power and Craig-Botetourt Electric Cooperative and has members working in three states.
John Albert, B.M.
