After 18 years of unwavering service, Arnie Campos, Field Service Technician at Bandera Electric Cooperative, is hanging up his hard hat and heading into a well-earned retirement.
His last official day will be August 1, and while his presence may no longer be seen in the field, the impact he’s made will be felt for years to come.
Known for his steady dedication, detailed work, and positive attitude, Arnie has been a cornerstone of the BEC team since the day he started. He approached each day with purpose and a smile, ready to take on whatever challenge came his way—whether that meant restoring power during severe weather or mentoring the next generation of linemen.
John Hernandez, Arnie’s manager and longtime friend, shared a memory that perfectly captures both Arnie’s professionalism and his sense of humor. “One night while restoring power at Upper Turtle Creek during a lightning storm, Arnie was refusing a transformer fuse with the extendo in the air when lightning struck nearby. He dropped the extendo and ran straight for the truck,” John recalled with a laugh. “He told me, ‘We are not going back out there until the storm passes.’ Later, we laughed about it together. I told him I saw that extendo hit the ground right before he bolted!”
That story isn’t just funny—it’s a reminder of Arnie’s strong instincts and common sense in dangerous situations, traits that made him both a reliable teammate and a trusted leader.
Arnie’s commitment to the job extended far beyond his daily assignments. He meticulously documented his work each day, creating a reliable record that often helped clarify issues long after a project was complete. “If you write it down, you’ll never forget it or lose it,” he often said—a mantra that served him and his coworkers well.
He also had a heart for service beyond the workday. Arnie was a familiar face at BEC events and parades, especially the Texas Lineman Rodeo, where he often volunteered to cook for the team. His community spirit and willingness to give his time made him a beloved figure not just within BEC, but throughout the communities we serve.
“Arnie is self-motivated, hardworking, and a dedicated mentor to apprentices and linemen,” said John. “He brought a contagious laughter, daily friendship, and a thorough, thoughtful approach to his work. He will be deeply missed.”
As Arnie steps into retirement, we say thank you—for the early mornings, the long nights, the miles on the road, and the countless ways he supported his team and our members. We wish him nothing but rest, joy, and plenty of time to enjoy the next chapter.
Congratulations, Arnie. You’ve earned it.