SPRINGFIELD – Linemen from Adams Electric Cooperative participated in the 21st annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo sponsored by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives on Friday, Sept. 28. This year, 13 teams from 11 electric co-ops participated in the friendly competition. The rodeo highlights the skills linemen use to work safely and efficiently.
Austin Aschemann, Brennan Caspermeyer and Logan Schutte represented Adams Electric at the rodeo, held on the Chuck West Lineman Training Grounds at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. They competed against teams of linemen from across Illinois in events using skills that focus on agility, speed and accuracy. While these skills are part of the judging criteria, above all, the linemen are judged on safe work practices.
Line personnel competed in five team events and three individual events. Team and individual events included hurt man rescue, egg climb and an H-structure obstacle course. Additionally, teams competed in a neutral down event and a bucket truck obstacle course.
Adams Electric’s team received third place in the hurt man rescue event. Additionally, Aschemann competed in the individual apprentice lineman competition and received third place in the H-structure obstacle course.
Scores for each event are based on completion time, proper execution of the task and safety. Deductions were made to a team or individual’s overall performance score due to mistakes such as slipping when climbing poles, dropping tools or executing inappropriate procedures or methods.
Congratulations to our linemen on their team and individual efforts.
Adams Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of 750 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. Adams Electric Cooperative is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 8,893 meters over 2,247 miles of line in parts of Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike and Schuyler counties. For more information visit adamselectric.coop.