Left to Right: Scott Barnes, Richard Lympany and Todd Alden (1st Overall in Journeyman Event)

Lineman’s Rodeo

By Russ Butow

The Lineman’s Rodeo was held Saturday, May 17 at the Truesdale Training Center. A total of 18 journeyman teams and 28 apprentice teams competed. They represented a number of cities and utilities, including the Department of Water & Power, Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Arizona APS. Represented cities included Burbank, Glendale, Riverside, Colton and Lodi.

I am pleased to report that our own DWP teams came in first in both divisions!

Journeyman Team Results:

First place: DWP (Brothers Todd Alden, Scott Barnes and Richard Lympany)
Second place: DWP (Brothers Troy Couch, Scott Osborn and Ben Rodriquez)
Third place: SCE (Best, Lorz and Thompson)
Fourth place: DWP (Brothers Ron Morrow and Graham Peace)

Apprentice Team Results:

First place: DWP (Brothers Shawn Monahan and Uriel Mora)
Second place: DWP (Brothers Hector Avila and Nazir Fazli)
Third place: SCE (B. Burnett and M. Burnett)
Fourth place: DWP (Brothers Curt McMillon and Travis Rappleye)

Congratulations to our winners and everyone who tested their skills!

The top-finishing DWP teams will represent the Department at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas City in October. They will compete against more than 250 other teams.

The members who work at the EDMT Training Center did a great job of organizing this event! I want to offer a special thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this Lineman’s Rodeo such a success for participants, members and their families. Thanks also to Alex Valkoff and his crew for preparing the food for the event.