In a showcase of knowledge, athleticism, teamwork and safety procedures, electric utility workers from the western United States competed in the annual Lineman’s Rodeo to demonstrate the skills they use in the field.
It was hosted by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) on May 18 at its Truesdale Training Center in Sun Valley in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 18. This year’s event featured 30 journeyman teams and 38 apprentice lineman teams from 11 utilities.
They competed in events including pole climbing, hurtman rescue and hot sticking. These challenges mimicked utility crews’ jobs to keep the power grid in their communities functioning properly.
“The Lineman’s Rodeo is one of the most beloved events on the department’s annual calendar,” said Simon Zewdu, LADWP senior assistant general manager, Power Systems, in a statement.
“We get to celebrate the teamwork and skills of our lineworkers and see firsthand what it takes to perform the job efficiently and in a safe manner. This is our time to celebrate these workers.”
LADWP utility workers performed well at the event, with first and second place overall in the apprentice category going to Evan Pierre and Benjamin Chapman, respectively. Pierre also won second place in the written test competition. Another worker, Tyler Scurria, placed second in the pole climb competition and third in the hurtman rescue.
The LADWP team – composed of Tom Crevier, Jorge Jimenez and Dustin Rose – won first place in the 4.8KV dead-end change in the journeyman category.
The competition also served to show the types of jobs and trades available at LADWP to the approximately 3,500 who were in attendance. The event also had family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and science center for school-aged children.
Winners from this event will move on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, in October.