July 2007

WEMC Makes Endeavor Into Lineman's Rodeo

Despite being first-time competitors, Walton EMC line technicians (the modern term for linemen) brought home a second place from the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo in Perry.

This was the 13th annual competition, but the first time Walton EMC entered a team. The Rodeo was held May 5 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter.

Dustin Richardson, apprentice line technician, prepares for his event at the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo held recently in Perry.

Apprentice line technicians Ryan West, Bradley McCallister, Dustin Richardson, Preston Roberts, and Brandon Waters competed for Walton EMC.

Greg Pannell, journeyman line technician, served as a coach for the team. David Fitzpatrick, line crew supervisor, and Brad Adcock, journeyman line technician, represented Walton EMC as judges.

The team competed in four events designed to test their knowledge, experience, speed, agility and overall skills as line technicians.

Not only does the annual event give line technicians the opportunity to hone and display their skills, it promotes safety, training and pride in a job well done, says Fitzpatrick.

West received a second place award for the Normal-Open Switch Installation event with a time of just six seconds behind the first place winner.

“Going down there, we thought we would be competing against superstars,” says West. “When we got down there, we realized we could compete with anybody. Walton EMC does a good job of training their linemen, and it shows.”

West and Waters will represent Walton EMC at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas this October.

“I don’t remember a time when there was such a pride in being a lineman,” says Barbara Cleghorn, scheduling specialist, who was one of more than 50 Walton EMC employees, families and friends who made the trip to Perry to see the team compete.

<back>