After 26 years with UniSource Energy Services, Journeyman Lineman Robert Kirby finally brought one of his long-held visions to life: a custom-built training trailer that teaches electrical safety to the community.

“I was handed the ball, and I got to run with it,” said Kirby, who had been advocating for such a trailer for nearly two decades. Inspired by similar setups from other utilities, he designed the trailer and collaborated with various departments to make it a reality. What sets this trailer apart is its use of real equipment that UniSource employees work with daily. The Safety Department helped install poles, while Substation Apprentices wired electronics to simulate a functioning substation.

The trailer features dramatic demonstrations of the dangers of electrical contact, from touching a live power line to seeing the risks of mylar balloons, which can cause widespread outages.

“It’s definitely an eye-opener,” Kirby said.

Since its debut in May of last year, the trailer has been featured in dozens of presentations across Arizona, with Kingman as its home base, visiting schools and community events.

Kirby especially enjoys presenting at high schools. “It’s the most rewarding because the kids are older and more interested,” he said, noting his appreciation of the many thank-you notes he receives after each session.

Though school presentations predate his time at UniSource, Kirby is proud to carry on the tradition—and expand it. “We’ve already used it a lot, and it will only continue to grow. I’m always surprised that people learn something new every time.”