Mitch Perry has been in his current position as a gas control technician for four decades. In his role, he maintains and repairs mechanical, electrical, pneumatic electronic, control computers and network systems for Citizens’ gas distribution and transmission system. Get to know more about him and his job below.
- How long have you been a gas control/instrument technician?
I’ve been with Citizens since 1972 and have been a gas control/instrument technician for 40 years. The first few years I was a mechanic and then an electrician at the compressor house building at the Indianapolis Coke Plant.
- What is a typical day like for you?
I never know from one day to the next what I’ll be doing. On Mondays we do our weekly inspections at all of our regulating and gate stations. Depending on what projects are going on and the time of year, I could be doing a variety of tasks, from laying conduit and running wire for a remote-controlled valve to troubleshooting equipment such as preheaters in the winter months. There’s never a day around here that’s boring.
- What is your favorite part of your job?
Completing a project successfully – when everything works right the first time – is one of my favorite aspects of this job. I enjoy learning new things and have seen a lot of changes, especially with the use of computers, in my time here. The people in my area are also a reason I enjoy what I do; we have a good team that works well together.
- What is the most challenging part of your job?
A challenge of the job is not knowing what each day will bring and what equipment might need servicing. Keeping up with the changes in the products we use and the technology is also challenging.
- What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife of 38 years, Margaret, and my children and grandchildren. I also enjoy woodworking and fishing in my spare time.
