Three journeyworker teams from Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) competed in the International Lineman's Rodeo, held October 14-17 in Overland Park, Kansas. More than 650 crews took part, testing skills in safety and power restoration. PEC's teams took second, third and fourth place in the cooperative division.
The placings were: second place, Garrit Afman, Russell Albright and Andy Ridge; third place, Caleb Brodock, Justin Ferry and Jesse Salazar; and fourth place, Darren Donhauser, David Hernandez and Michael Thyberg.
PEC director of regional operations Brian Magott said the company was proud of the teams' commitment to excellence. He said PEC was grateful for the chance to compete with top utilities and lineworkers. According to a news release, the rodeo showcases high-voltage linework skills and emphasizes safety. PEC said the same skills are used in the field.
The release said PEC lineworkers train at its Safety and Technical Training Center in Marble Falls, which offers pole climbing lessons, transformer labs and arcing demonstrations. It said the U.S. Department of Labor recognizes the cooperative's training program.