Proposed bill recognizes linemen as first responders in honor of Carroll Co. man

CARROLL COUNTY, Tenn. — A local widow and a state representative have collaborated to create a bill to recognize lineman as first responders.

On April 3, 2025 Carroll County lineman Chance Carlton tragically lost his life while responding to severe weather.

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Now, his wife, Samantha, and Representative Brock Martin have collaborated to honor his life.

Carlton enjoyed life, especially being a husband and father. He also enjoyed singing, hunting, riding horses, and camping.

Carlton was passionate about being a lineman for Carroll County Electric for almost nine years. Samantha says he was proud of his job and was very strong in his faith.

“He loved his job. He cared about it very much. Any of the guys who work there could attest the same. He really loved his job. But more so he was strong in his faith and what he believed in,” said Samantha.

After his passing, Samantha began researching and realized that linemen were not considered first responders in Tennessee.

She and Carlton’s best friend reached out to state representative Brock Martin and together they began drafting a state bill.

The Chance Carlton Bill would have linemen identified as first responders. It would also allow families to receive benefits from the state.

Samantha says the passing of this bill would greatly help families across the state.

“If this bill passes, other families would receive benefits and they wouldn’t find themselves in the same shoes I’ve been in. No one expects to be a widow in their early thirties with young kids and this would be a much needed thing for families across the state,” said Samantha.

She encourages the public to advocate for this bill and is hopeful that it will pass.

To learn more about the Chance Carlton Bill, click here.

For more Carroll County news, click here.