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Contact Savannah Chandler, 770.266.2408

FORT VALLEY, Ga. – For the 20th year, electric line technicians from across the state gathered to test their skills in this year's Georgia Lineman's Rodeo. Several apprentice and journeyman competitors represented Walton Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) at the event.

Apprentice Line Technician Adam Simmons secures his climbing belt as he begins an event at the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo near Fort Valley. Simmons placed first in the apprentice division and other events.

Apprentice Line Technician Adam Simmons secures his climbing belt as he begins an event at the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo near Fort Valley. Simmons placed first in the apprentice division and other events.

Apprentice Line Technician Adam Simmons captured first place honors in the overall apprentice division, EMC apprentice division and written test for the second time in three years. Apprentice Jonathan Brooks placed third in both the written test and obstacle course while Apprentice Ben Campbell placed second in the obstacle course and sixth in the overall apprentice division.

Other competitors include Apprentice Line Technician John Spence and Journeyman Line Technicians James Wise, Paul Nichols, Wesley Payton, Ryan West, Bradley McCallister and Preston Roberts.

Coaches are Greg Pannell and Brandon Waters while Chris Stacey, Brad Adcock and Jacob Brooks served as judges. Kathy Ivie and Debra Jackson participated as rodeo assistants.

The annual rodeo tests line technicians' knowledge and skill in electrical line work. Practice and preparation for the event increases the competitors' efficiency and safe work habits during everyday tasks. Apprentices compete individually while journeymen compete on three-man teams.

Walton EMC is an electric cooperative that serves 121,000 accounts over its ten-county service area between Atlanta and Athens. Because its customers own the company, service — not profit — is Walton EMC's primary focus.

Check out more photos from the rodeo.