Jackson EMC (JEMC) journeyman lineman teams were among the best in the state at the recent Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo. Five Jackson EMC teams placed in the top five among all teams at the annual competition.
Jackson EMC sent 17 apprentices and seven journeyman teams to the competition, where they competed in a series of events in traditional lineman skills and tasks. A total of 143 apprentices and 37 journeyman teams from electric utility providers across the state participated in the competition. Apprentices compete as individuals, while journeymen compete in teams of three.
“The Lineman’s Rodeo is one of the best ways we reinforce what matters most on the job every day. We’re proud to see so many of our guys step up and compete at this level. It pushes them to perform at a high level while strengthening the safety habits, teamwork and real-world skills our members depend on.” said Patrick McAuliff, Jefferson district director of engineering and operations for Jackson EMC.
The top performers from Jackson EMC will represent the electric cooperative at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas in October.
Team honors include:
- Justin Roper, Jeff Sutton and Kaleb Chapman of Oakwood finished first overall, second in the hurtman rescue event, eighth in the PKR switch change out event, second in the bad transformer event, and second in the polymer changeout event.
- Cody Watson, Easton Tuggle and Brandon Sanders of Neese finished second overall, seventh in hurtman rescue event; seventh in the PKR switch change out event, sixth in the bad transformer event, and fourth in the polymer changeout event.
- Devin Triplett, Austin Gragg, Justin Cash of Jefferson finished fifth overall, fifth in the hurtman rescue event, ninth in the PKR switch change out event, and eight in the polymer changeout event.
- Austin Lewis, Ben Campbell and Brandon Carter of Neese finished tenth in the hurtman rescue event and first in the PKR switch change out event.
- Collin Ward, James Partain, Dwayne Dickerson of Neese finished fifth in the PKR switch change out event.
Individual honors include:
- Stephen Garner, of Gwinnett, placed sixth in the armor rod and tie installation event.
- Sam Topkins, of Oakwood, placed fourth in the obstacle course event.
“This kind of hands-on competition is valuable because it mirrors the work our linemen do in the field. It sharpens their skills, reinforces safety and builds strong teams. When our crews train and compete together, they develop the trust, confidence and coordination that make a real difference in how safely and efficiently we serve our members.” said Tommy Parker, Jackson EMC’s vice president of operations.
For full results of the 2026 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, visit garodeo.com.
A gallery of photos of Jackson EMC in action at the competition is available at: https://jacksonemc.canto.com/b/MI24R.