NES Rodeo Team Earns Top Prize

Nashville, Tenn. – Hard work, dedication and training are just part of the job for linemen at Nashville Electric Service. NES rodeo teams demonstrated all three this past weekend at the 2012 American Public Power Associations Lineworkers Rodeo in Cleveland, Ohio. The NES West team placed first overall out of 45 teams competing for top honors. Team members are Tommy Barksdale, Matt Heathman, Mathew Woodside and Jay Truett. The NES Donelson team finished with a top five finish. Team members are Jeremy Woodside, Timmy Sanford, Cody Roberts and John Minor. Lineworkers play such an important role in the efficient operations of electric utilities, and oftentimes, their work goes unrecognized, said NES president and CEO Decosta Jenkins. The Rodeo is the ultimate venue for public power lineworkers to exhibit their knowledge and gain professional recognition at the same time. The Lineworkers Rodeo allows crews from across the country to demonstrate their skills in five different events that simulate real-life situations. It is designed to promote safety on the job. Speed is important, but accuracy is crucial. The events are judged based upon safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling, and timely event completion. There are two levels of competition within the rodeoÑjourneyman and apprentice. The journeyman teams consist of three membersÑtwo climbers and a ground personÑand can include an optional alternate. A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience within the electric utility trade. An apprentice line worker has four or less years of experience. For a glance of the days events, watch the 2012 Lineworkers Rodeo video on YouTube. For more information, please visit www.publicpower.org/rodeo/. Nashville Electric Service is one of the 12 largest public electric utilities in the nation, distributing energy to more than 360,000 customers in Middle Tennessee. For more information about NES, visit www.nespower.com.