June 2012
Line Technicians Again Excel at Rodeo

Neither heat, humidity or swarms of gnats could keep Walton EMC's line technicians from competing and winning at the recent Georgia Lineman's Rodeo in Albany.

Walton EMC Apprentice Line Technician Adam Simmons uses his hands and climbing spikes to quickly ascend a pole during an event at the 2012 Georgia Lineman's Rodeo in Albany. Simmons took home first-place honors from the competition.

Held each year, the rodeo tests line technicians' knowledge and skill in building and maintaining electrical distribution systems. The sharpening that comes from practicing for the event translates into more efficient and safer work habits that save time and money on the job. Practice is conducted outside work hours on the line technicians' own time.

Apprentices and journeyman line technicians compete in separate divisions. Apprentices compete individually while journeymen compete on three-man teams.

Top finishers will represent Walton EMC at the International Lineman's Rodeo this October in Kansas City, Mo.

View more 2012 rodeo photos.

Apprentice

Overall
Adam Simmons -- first
Jared Smith -- second

EMC Division
Adam Simmons -- first
Jared Smith -- second

Written Test, EMC Division
Adam Simmons -- first
Jared Smith -- second
Chris Knight -- third

A-3 Bell and Armor Rod Installation, EMC Division
Josh Wolaver -- second

Hurt Man Rescue, EMC Division
Josh Wolaver -- first
Lee Summers -- third

Neutral Clevis Change, EMC Division
Jonathan Brooks -- first
Lee Summers -- third

Journeyman

Hurt Man Rescue, EMC Division
Bradley McCallister, Ryan West and Preston Roberts -- third

Other Participants

Jacob Brooks
Josh Fuller
Tommy Ledford
Paul Nichols
Wesley Payton
Dustin Richardson
Kevin Tanner
James Wise

Coordinator

David Fitzpatrick

Coaches

Greg Pannell
Kevin Underwood
Brandon Waters

Judges

Steve Connely
Terry Jones
David Patrick
Randall Pruitt
Chris Stacy

Event Assistants

Kathy Ivie
Debra Jackson