Los Angeles DWP rodeo highlights skill of utility workers – Beverly Press & Park Labrea

The lineworker competitions included real-life scenarios that utility workers face daily. (photo courtesy of the LADWP)

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power hosted the annual Lineman’s Rodeo on Saturday, May 18, showcasing the skills of electric utility workers. During the competition, lineworker teams and individual participants from throughout the western United States went head-to-head in grueling challenges 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 with the LADWP.

Hosted in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 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 4 million customers.

“The Lineman’s Rodeo is one of the most beloved events on the department’s annual calendar,” said Simon Zewdu, LADWP senior assistant general manager for power systems. “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,” IBEW Local 18 business manager Gus Corona said. “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.”

The 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. Pierre also took second place in the written test competition. 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.

The LADWP also provided career information to attendees and held a recruitment booth. The event included family friendly activities such as a petting zoo and science center with activities for children.

Winners of the event move on to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, in October. For information, visit joinladwp.com.