Inter-County Energy Takes Top 2012 Kentucky Linemen's Rodeo Honors
08/03/2012


The eight annual Kentucky Lineman's Rodeo, sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives’ Safety & Loss Prevention got under way July 26 and 27 on host electric co-op Owen Electric’s grounds.

Not only is this a fantastic showcase of Kentucky linemen talents, it’s also a serious safety event for linemen who work every day with that complex entity known as electricity.

This year, 87 line workers from 14 co-ops and 54 judges and volunteers were part of the rodeo. Competitions can get somewhat competitive but the rodeo is all about camaraderie. That’s why it’s good to see family members come and watch the action.

The first Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo was in 2005 and more than 70 linemen from 11 Kentucky electric co-ops met at East Kentucky Power’s training facilities to compete.

Since the rodeo began eight years ago, recordable accident incident rates have dropped 32 percent. In 2005 the overall rate among co-ops was 6.49 and in 2010 had dropped to 4.43.

Events at the rodeo include pole climb, hurtman rescue, and a mystery event.

Congratulations to the top winners at this year’s July 26-27 Kentucky Lineman’s Rodeo:

TEAM OVERALL
First: Inter-County Energy
Second: Blue Grass Energy #1
Third: Warren RECC #2

APPRENTICE OVERALL
First: Justin Robinson, Jackson Energy
Second: Geofrey Beck, West Kentucky RECC
Third: Russ Kirby, West Kentucky RECC

INDIVIDUAL JOURNEYMAN
First: Shane Vickers, Jackson Energy
Second: Brad Wiglesworth, Blue Grass Energy
Third: Chase Gander, Inter-County Energy

To see some action shots visit the Kentucky Linemen's Rodeo website's 2012 Rodeo Recap.

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