Central Virginia Electric Cooperative (CVEC) is celebrating 3 local lineworkers for their accomplishments in the 20th Annual Gaff-n-Go Lineworker Rodeo held on May 17 to 18 at Meadow Event Park in Doswell, VA. 7 apprentice linemen and 1 journeyman lineman from CVEC participated this year.
Results of the 2024 Lineworker Rodeo for Team CVEC
Drone Competition
- First Place: Brandon White, Journeyman Lineman and Drone Pilot, Amherst
Apprentice Lineman
- First Place: Ethan Yancey, Hurtman Rescue, Scottsville
- Third Place: Graham Hughes, Hurtman Rescue, Scottsville
"We are incredibly proud of all the participants who showcased their skills at this year's rodeo," said Gary Wood, CEO and President at CVEC. "Their dedication to safety, precision, and teamwork is a testament to the high standards we uphold in our industry. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance."
The event not only highlights the technical proficiency required in the lineworker profession but also fosters camaraderie and the sharing of best practices among peers. CVEC extends its gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a resounding success.
This year's competition brought together more than 300 linemen from 11 states registered to compete and showcase their exceptional skills, safety practices, and teamwork in a series of challenging events. The events began Friday morning following the opening ceremony and national anthem performance by Nashville recording artist Will Reid, a lineman for BARC Electric Cooperative in Millboro, VA.
Competitors from more than 30 teams participated in equipment operator events Friday afternoon. This year, a drone competition was introduced, reflecting the growing use of aerial inspections. Electric co-ops in Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware have more than 100 licensed drone pilots on staff and are provided training via VMDAEC for industry professionals to obtain their UAS Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration. Spectators gathered to watch as competitors navigated drones through a course designed to simulate aerial inspections of utility poles.
Saturday featured the main events during which linemen climbed utility poles and performed a variety of tasks to simulate real-life scenarios. Apprentices compete individually, while journeymen work in teams of 3. The Lineworker Rodeo, a hallmark event in the utility industry, tests participants' abilities in various categories including pole climbing, equipment repair, and high-voltage line maintenance, all performed under strict safety standards. This year's event saw an impressive turnout, with teams and individuals demonstrating remarkable expertise and dedication to their craft.
For more information about the Lineworker Rodeo and a full list of results, please visit the Gaff-n-Go website.
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About CVEC: Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric utility serving 39,000 homes, farms, and businesses in the rural portions of 14 Virginia counties. CVEC connects its members and communities through reliable power and broadband services, delivering world-class, high-speed internet service through its subsidiary, Firefly Fiber BroadbandSM. CVEC and its subsidiary are equal opportunity providers and employers. For more information, visit the About CVEC section of our website.
About VMDAEC: Headquartered in Glen Allen, Va., the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives provides safety and training, communications, regulatory, and legislative services to 16 electric cooperatives serving the 3-state Mid-Atlantic region. For more information on VMDAEC and the scholarship program, the VMDAEC website or the Cooperative Living website.