PG&E; Lineman Show Off Their Unique Skills at Rodeo Event Staged by Utility, IBEW

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• published: 21 Aug 2013
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Have you ever climbed down a utility pole with an egg in your mouth? It's unusual, no doubt, but it was one of the tests for line workers and apprentice line workers at the 2nd annual Lineman's Rodeo staged by PG&E; and IBEW Local 1245. PG&E;'s electric linemen often make repairs in isolated places in the middle of cold, rainy nights as they restore service to customers. But, on this day, the workers climbed utility poles and changed out equipment in front of family and friends. The event was held to determine which PG&E; workers will take part in the International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas in October. "It's a celebration of the incredible work that our linemen do, day in and day out, to best serve our customers," said Geisha Williams, PG&E;'s executive vice president of electric operations. "Today we're happy that it's sunny because they're normally working in the rain, working in the snow. Today it's really about celebrating and recognizing the great work they do every day to serve our customers." Held at PG&E;'s training facility in Livermore, the event had the feel of a county fair with kids' activities, face-painting, vendors and a barbeque lunch. Anthony Albright, a PG&E; journeyman lineman based in Grass Valley, was one of the winners. "It's a great time and put on very well by both management and IBEW 1245 so I'm just happy to be a part of it and participate,'" he said. The crews took part in various contests, including pole climbing, simulating the rescue of an injured crewman and two mystery events where they demonstrated skills and techniques used in their jobs. The focus was on safety and doing the job right. Albright's girlfriend was thrilled see him take part in the rodeo. "I think it's cool to watch him compete," said Michelle Anglade. "It's not something I get to see him do every day at work. He works in a rural area so I don't get to watch him. So coming here and getting to watch him use all the skills that he knows -- his safety, working well with teammates and camaraderie with all the other teams -- is really cool." The event had a family feel. Many of the linemen brought their spouses, children and other relatives. Some, like Steve Bentley and Sean Hunt, come from a family of line workers. Bentley is Hunt's uncle. "Having my family here was pretty incredible," said Bentley, a lineman in Grass Valley. "All together, I think I had 15 family members here. I got to see my grandbaby. My mom and dad. My brother. Just a big family. My kids. And my nephew's even here and he's an apprentice who won a spot to go to Kansas City himself." Bentley put his arm around Hunt's shoulders as they talked about the rodeo. "I was very lucky to have both my uncle and my dad lineman in the trade," said Hunt, an apprentice lineman based in Fresno. "Growing up, it's something that I knew I wanted to do. Finally being able to get on with PG&E;, the same company as them, it's great. I love it. I wouldn't want to do anything else." Albright, Bentley, Hunt and other winners will compete in the 30th International Lineman's Rodeo & Expo on Oct. 19 and 20 in Overland Park, Kansas.