MEA Energy Association Honors Charles Kendall of Miller Pipeline with Compassion in Action Award

MEA Energy Association honors Charles Kendall of Miller Pipeline with the Compassion in Action Award for his courageous intervention during a violent attack.

BLOOMINGTON, MN, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — MEA Energy Association (MEA) is proud to present the Compassion in Action Award to Charles “Chuck” Kendall of Miller Pipeline in recognition of his courageous actions to help a man who was being attacked in Racine, Wisconsin.

Near the end of the workday, Kendall, who was serving as an electric crew leader, and his crew were working near Wisconsin Avenue and Fifth Street when he heard screaming about half a block away. As the commotion grew louder, Kendall went to investigate and discovered two people fighting in the street. A crowd of approximately 15 bystanders had gathered, with several warning that one of the individuals had a knife.

As Kendall approached, he saw a man being stabbed in the back with a butcher knife. Recognizing the immediate danger, Kendall stepped in to help. He pulled the victim away from the attacker and, with the assistance of another bystander, confronted and disarmed the attacker. Together, they brought the individual to the ground and restrained him until law enforcement arrived approximately one minute later.
Responding officers told Kendall that had he and the other bystander not intervened, the victim likely would not have survived. His willingness to act during an extraordinarily dangerous situation stopped the attack and may have saved the victim’s life.

“Chuck’s actions demonstrate exactly what we hope to recognize through the Compassion in Action Award — someone seeing another person in need and choosing to act,” said John Gann, senior vice president of membership and marketing at MEA. “His courage, quick thinking, and concern for another person in an extremely dangerous situation exemplify the spirit of this award.”

The Compassion in Action Award is a new MEA recognition that replaces the MEA Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards, bringing both forms of recognition together under one award. It honors individuals whose selfless actions demonstrate extraordinary care, quick thinking, and dedicated service to others — from lifesaving intervention during an emergency to exceptional service that significantly advances safety, operational excellence, or an organization’s mission.

Compassion in Action celebrates the spirit of service that drives MEA members to act courageously, thoughtfully, and with an unwavering commitment to others.

Learn more about this and other MEA awards at MEAenergy.org/awards.

About MEA
MEA serves the people who deliver electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses. Founded in 1905 by distribution utilities, MEA was created to improve safety and operational efficiency across the energy industry. That mission continues today through education, leadership development, and professional connections. Energy delivery companies, contractors, and suppliers across the country rely on MEA for workforce development, technical education, and networking opportunities. MEA provides in-person learning opportunities, webinars, more than 400 online technical courses, safety assessments, evaluator training, operator qualification (OQ) compliance tools, and leadership development programs that support professionals at every stage of their careers—from the field to the executive suite.

John Gann
MEA Energy Association
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