Nashvillle, Tenn. - Hard work, dedication and training are just part of the job for linemen at Nashville Electric Service. NES Rodeo Team demonstrated all three this past weekend at the 2011 American Public Power Associations Lineworkers Rodeo. The team placed 4th overall out of 55 teams competing for top honors. Team members were Matt Heathman, Steven Stubblefield, Tommy Barksdale and Don Wheeler. 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.
Nashvillle, Tenn. – Hard work, dedication and training are just part of the job for linemen at Nashville Electric Service. NES Rodeo Team demonstrated all three this past weekend at the 2011 American Public Power Associations Lineworkers Rodeo. The team placed 4th overall out of 55 teams competing for top honors. Team members were Matt Heathman, Steven Stubblefield, Tommy Barksdale and Don Wheeler. 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. Along with its 4th place team award, NES Cody Roberts placed fifth overall out of 76 competitors in the apprentice events. NES was the host utility for the Rodeo this year, which took place at Gaylord Opryland Resorts 105 Acres between Briley Parkway and Pennington Bend Road. As a way to represent the public power attitude, teams and spectators were encouraged to bring books, DVDs and crayons for the Monroe Carell Jr. Childrens Hospital at Vanderbilt. The donations will be delivered to the hospital later this month. For more information on the Lineworkers Rodeo, please visit www.publicpower.org/rodeo/ or www.facebook.com/APPALineworkersRodeo.
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