A journeyman lineman team from Jackson EMC was named the top overall team competing at the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, held May 6 in Fort Valley, Ga. The event draws linemen from across the state to compete in a series of events in traditional lineman skills and tasks. 

Jackson EMC sent six journeyman teams and 27 apprentices to the state competition. Apprentices compete as individuals, while journeymen compete in teams of three. The Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo is a qualifying event for Jackson EMC’s participants going to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas in October. 

“A lineman’s job is rewarding but complex. Practicing for and competing in these events allow our linemen to refine and demonstrate to others the skills needed to perform as a lineman,” said Tommy Parker, Jackson EMC’s managing director of operations. “The preparation for this competition requires a dedication to the profession and teamwork.”

Journeyman Teams 
 

A journeyman team with Jeremy Adams, Kaleb Chapman and Jeff Sutton, of Gainesville, finished in first place as the top overall team, first in the EMC division, first in the recloser switch changeout event, first in the lightning arrestor changeout event and second in the hurtman rescue event. 

A journeyman team with Austin Gragg, Devin Triplett and Justin Cash, of Jefferson, finished in second place overall, second in the EMC division, second in the crossarm changeout event, and third in the lightning arrester changeout event. 

A journeyman team with Justin Roper, Matt Tolar and Austin Yearwood, of Oakwood, finished in fourth place overall and third place in the crossarm changeout event. 
 

Two senior journeymen teams placed among the top at the competition. Kevin Grant, Brett Hurst and Scotty Tompkins, of Oakwood, earned second place in the overall senior division. Daryl Bond, Jason Bond and Kevin Waters, of Jefferson, earned third place in the overall senior division.

Apprentices 

In the apprentice division: 

• Walt Palmer, of Gwinnett, placed second overall, second in the EMC division, and second in the pole top insulator changeout event. 
• Austin Lewis, of Gwinnett, placed third overall and third in the EMC division. 
• Shawn Thurston, of Gwinnett, placed fourth overall, third in the hurtman rescue event, and third in the pole top insulator changeout event. 
• Carter Kelling, of Gwinnett, placed first in the hurtman rescue event and third in the polybell changeout event. 
• Adam Warner, of Gwinnett, placed first in the polybell changeout event. 
• Jonathan Woodring, of Oakwood, placed second in the service installation event.

See our linemen in action at the Georgia Lineman's Rodeo and get full results at news.jacksonemc.com/garodeo23