This year’s Lineman Rodeo and Summer Outing were held on August 8th at the American Legion in Epping, NH. Participants competed in an apprentice and journeyman Speed Climb competition and an apprentice and journeyman Hurt Man Rescue competition.
In the Speed Climb competitors tried to climb up the pole as fast as they could with a ditty bag hanging from their mouth. When they got to the top of the pole, they had to knock the ditty bag hanging on the hook at the top of the pole to the ground, remove the egg from the ditty bag they carried up, hang that bag on the hook, climb down the pole with the egg in their mouth, and remove the egg from their mouth without cracking it. If they cracked the egg the competitors were penalized time.
The 1st place winner for the apprentice competition was Josh Dubois of IBEW Local 104 who completed the Speed Climb in 26.06 seconds.
The 1st place winner for the Journeyman competition was Chris Willis of IBEW Local 42 who completed the Speed Climb in 21.07 seconds.
In the Hurt Man Rescue competitors attempted to get to the pole as fast as they could to rescue an injured man. After climbing up the pole to the injured man, the competitors took their hand-line, separated it, and using a crossarm, tied the injured man off. After they tied the hurt man off, they cut his safety belt free and lowered him to the ground, climbed down the pole, and began to administer CPR to the injured man.
The 1st place winner for the apprentice competition was Kyle Lazaron of IBEW Local 104 who completed the rescue in 1 minute and 59 seconds.
The 1st place winner for the Journeyman competition was Joe Jodoin of IBEW Local 104 who completed the rescue in 1 minute and 35 seconds.
The competitors did a great job showcasing the skills they use every day in the field, showing what the Code of Excellence looks like in action.
The day also consisted of activities for the entire family including face painting, balloon animals, pony rides, and a bouncy house. Burgers and hot dogs were served for lunch and a full BBQ dinner was provided by Lee Circle Grocery.
The day is best summed up by IBEW Local 104 Business Manager Brian Murphy,
“We had a great turn out today. It was an excellent day, the weather was perfect, the food was great, and the company was outstanding. It was a great day.”
Thanks to all who participated and attended, we look forward to seeing everyone next year.