CFEMC apprentice linemen compete in the 2023 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo

PALMETTO, GA, May 12, 2023 – Five apprentice linemen from Coweta-Fayette EMC (CFEMC) competed in the 2023 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo on Saturday, May 6 at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley, Georgia.

Hosted by the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo Association, the event draws lineworker apprentices and journeymen from across the state and the Southeast to compete in a series of events testing their skills and knowledge on the field.

CFEMC’s Fred Baskin, Collin Burger, Conner Godwin, Logan Martinez, and Noah Watson competed in the apprentice division competition, which was comprised of a hurt man rescue, an overhead service connect, and two mystery events involving a pole top insulator change out and primary bell change out. During the competition, their goal was to finish the events as quickly as possible with the least amount of point deductions.

“This competition allowed our apprentices the opportunity to improve their skills while reinforcing safe work practices,” said CFEMC Safety Coordinator Greg Perry. “The preparation requires a great deal of practice and dedication, and ultimately builds stronger linemen,” said Perry.

During the weeks leading up to the competition, the apprentices worked with CFEMC Journeyman Zack Kent, who served as their lineman’s rodeo coach, and CFEMC Safety Coordinator Greg Perry to prepare to demonstrate the skills needed to perform as a lineman.

The event is held each year to recognize lineworkers and maintain a focus on safety, training, and safe work practices in electric utility industry.

“We’re proud to acknowledge the hard work and determination of our apprentices,” said CEO Chris Stephens. “They represented CFEMC well in the competition, and they had tremendous support from fellow employees, family, and friends”.

There were 126 apprentice linemen throughout Georgia that participated in the event.

For more information and official results, visit garodeo.com.

Coweta-Fayette EMC is a member-owned cooperative providing electricity and related services to over 80,000 consumers in Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Fulton, Heard, Meriwether, Spalding, and Troup counties.