If you’ve spent a holiday season in Rio Linda, you’ve likely gathered with neighbors at the community Christmas tree, situated in the small park at 7th and M Streets. While the park is a central hub for local festivities, many may not realize it stands as a lasting tribute to Troy Graham, a local hero whose life was tragically cut short while serving his community.
A Tragic Accident in the Line of Duty
On the afternoon of December 20, 1954, Troy Graham, a 33-year-old lineman for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), was working near the Brighton substation at Folsom Boulevard and Power Inn Road.
While operating a switch on a steel tower—part of a high-tension line carrying 22,000 volts—a catastrophic accident occurred. Reports from the time indicate an “insulation failure” caused the current to flash across an insulator and through the metal tower. Graham was struck by a bolt of electricity.
Witnesses saw blue smoke as he fell to the ground. In a final display of the strength and grit characteristic of linemen, he managed to get up and stagger before collapsing. Despite the efforts of a resuscitator crew from the Florin Fire Department, he was pronounced dead later that evening.
A Family and Community Man
Troy Graham was more than just a dedicated utility worker; he was a pillar of his family and a neighbor in the North Highlands and Rio Linda area.
- Family: He lived nearby in North Highlands with his wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Adams, whom he married in 1944. He left behind two young children: Jann, age 10, and Thomas, age 7.
- Roots: Originally a native of Gridley, the family settled in Rio Linda, and later in North Highlands.
- Service: Beyond his professional role as alinewman, he was an active member of the Rio Linda Lions Club and the Haggin Grant American Legion Post 521.
Dedication of the Troy Graham Memorial Park
The Rio Linda community felt the weight of Graham’s loss deeply. In a moving tribute led by the Lions Club, a small park at 7th and M Streets was dedicated to his memory.
During the dedication ceremony, Reverend John McMath paid tribute to Graham’s sacrifice, and his wife, Elizabeth, pulled the cord to unveil a commemorative plaque. A wreath was placed at the foot of the park’s water fountain—a structure that remains a landmark of the completed park today. The ceremony concluded with the sounding of “Taps” by a local junior high student, Skipper Knouse.
More Than Just a Name
Today, the park serves as the site for the community’s annual Christmas tree, a place of joy and gathering. By remembering Troy Graham, we honor the linemen who work in dangerous conditions to keep our lights on and our homes warm. His name, etched into the history of Rio Linda, serves as a reminder of service, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of our community.
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