Crew members from 11 utilities across the Western United States competed in Sun Valley, CA to test their knowledge, athleticism, teamwork, and commitment to safety
LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2024) – The Los Angeles Department of Water (LADWP) and Power (AND IBEW L18) hosted the annual Lineman’s Rodeo on Saturday, 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 Lineworker 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 lineworker, or Electric Distribution Mechanic (EDM), or other utility careers at LADWP.
Hosted in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (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.
“The Lineman’s Rodeo is one of the most beloved events on the Department’s annual calendar,” said LADWP Senior Assistant General Manager, Power Systems, Simon Zewdu. “We get to celebrate the teamwork and skills of our lineworkers and see firsthand what it takes to perform the job efficiently and in a safe manner. This is our time to celebrate these workers.”
“What makes this event special is the cooperation between the Department and the union in putting this together,” said Gus Corona, IBEW Local 18 Business Manager. “Members can show their families what they do on a daily basis, and compete with other utilities to show them why we are the best at what we do.”
A traditional winner 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.
“It’s a really fun event,” said LADWP EDM Juan Coronado, shortly after completing his team event where he was a groundman. “You get to see faces you haven’t seen in a long time. There is also a great brotherhood between the competitors.”
Although the competition was the main event, there were plenty of other activities for the crowd of approximate 3,500 to partake in. 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.
When asked about the event, LADWP EDMT (Electric Distribution Mechanic Trainee) Robert Flores shared, “I’m a new apprentice and wanted to try something different so people could see what I can do. It’s a great event overall.”
Winners from this event will move on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, KS this October.
For more information about careers with LADWP, visit www.JoinLADWP.com.
NOTE: Photos can be used for news purposes with courtesy to L.A. Department of Water and Power
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