A Lineman for the Bounty
Photos courtesy LA Dept. of Water and Power
The LADWP hosted the annual Lineman’s Rodeo May 18, showcasing the skills of electric utility workers who work around the clock to keep the power flowing across their communities. During the competition, Line Worker teams and individual participants throughout the Western United States went head-to-head in grueling challenges designed to test their training, job skills and safety procedures. The event also served as a showcase for those interested in careers as a Line Worker, or Electric Distribution Mechanic (EDM), or other utility careers at LADWP.
Hosted in partnership with the IBEW Local 18, the event featured timed competitions such as pole climbing, hurtman rescue and hot sticking. Competitors faced challenges that mimic those experienced daily by LADWP utility crews and provided a glimpse for onlookers and potential future electric distribution mechanics into what it takes to keep the lights on for LADWP’s four million residents.
A traditional winner in years past, LADWP was challenged this year by 30 journeyman teams and 38 apprentice lineman teams from 11 utilities. LADWP crews excelled, with Evan Pierre taking first and Benjamin Chapman taking second place overall in the apprentice category. Evan Pierre also took second place in the written test competition and Tyler Scurria placed third in the hurtman rescue and second place in the pole climb competitions.
The LADWP team of Tom Crevier, Dustin Rose, and Jorge Jimenez placed first in the 4.8KV dead-end change in the journeyman category.
There were plenty of other activities for the crowd of approximate 3,500 to enjoy. LADWP provided career information to attendees interested in working at the Department through a recruitment booth. Also available were vendors selling industry supply and equipment and family friendly activities, including a petting zoo and science center with various activities for school-aged children.
Winners from this event will move on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas this October.
Good luck, LADWP Line Workers!
