Two Jackson EMC (JEMC) journeyman lineman teams ranked among the best at the recent 40th Annual International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The competition included more than 1,300 line workers who were judged on speed, agility, technique and safety procedures.
Jackson EMC sent three journeyman lineman teams and six apprentices to the competition. A total of 227 journeymen lineman teams and 380 apprentices competed at the event. Apprentices compete as individuals, while journeymen compete in teams of three. The International Lineman’s Rodeo includes participants from electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, contractors and electric providers for the military.
A Jackson EMC journeyman team (pictured) finished first in the senior division. Daryll Bond, Jason Bond and Kevin Waters, of Neese and Jefferson, earned the highest placement in their division at the competition.
A journeyman lineman team with Justin Cash, Austin Gragg and Devin Triplett, all of Jefferson, finished third in the electric cooperative division and sixth overall.
Apprentices Jerry Olivas, of Oakwood, finished eighth and Ben Adams, of Jefferson, finished 10th in the squirrel removal event.
Jackson EMC’s participants at the International Lineman’s Rodeo earned their spots based on their performance at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, held in May.