SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A statewide competition resulted in big wins for local lineworkers who showcased exceptional performances.
The Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association (EECA) announced three linemen who brought home multiple awards after a competition at the annual Lineworker's Safety Rodeo, organized by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC).
AIEC Lineworker's Safety Rodeo
There were 18 teams,聽with representation from 14 electric co-ops and two municipalities, who gathered together for the friendly competition. Members with the EECA team showed off their agility, speed, accuracy, and safety expertise against lineworkers from all over Illinois.
Linemen Andy Ahner of Carterville, Matt McElroy of Sparta, and Mike Smith of Murphysboro, competed in events such as a 40-foot climb, pole top rescue, H-structure obstacle course and more.
The scoring considered completion time, task execution, and commitment to safety.
The EECA team were able to secure first-place titles for the team pole top hurt man rescue and the team cutout change.
Smith also聽took first place in the individual pole top rescue, second place in the 40' pole speed climb, and was crowned the Climbing Challenge Champion.
McElroy was able to take third-place in the individual hurt man rescue.
