The IBEW 1245/PG&E Lineman’s Rodeo is more than a competition; it’s a chance for apprentices and journeyman linemen to display their remarkable skills and show their families and friends what their day-to-day work is actually like.
Transmission Crewman Jakub Krzyminski
Transmission Crewman Jakub Krzyminski, who competed with the “T-Line South” team at this year’s Rodeo, brought his wife, kids and mom out to see him in action. It’s not every day his family gets to see him do his job, since his crew is usually working way out in the woods and his loved ones can’t just drive up and watch. It was Krzyminski’s first Rodeo, and he clearly enjoyed the competition and camaraderie between the different teams.
“It’s great seeing all your work buddies who you haven’t seen in a while. It’s kind of like a family reunion, because we’re all like a family here,” he said.
The 3rd annual Rodeo drew more than 1,000 spectators to the PG&E training facility in Livermore, many of whom came to cheer on their linemen family and friends who were competing in the Rodeo events. With rock-climbing and face-painting for the kids, raffle prizes for the adults, exciting competition for the linemen, plus live music and a tasty BBQ for all, it truly was “fun for the whole family.”
Natalie Chene with her daughter and puppy
Natalie Chene, wife of apprentice lineman Jordan Chene, travelled from Bakersfield with her 18-month-old daughter and their puppy to cheer on her husband as he competed. Jordan, a third-year apprentice and dedicated Rodeo competitor, took first place at a recent Lineman’s Rodeo in Reno, and Natalie couldn’t mask her pride and adoration as she talked about bringing her daughter out to watch her husband compete.
“I think it’s so cool that she gets to see what her dad does,” Natalie said, beaming while bouncing the toddler on her lap. “We think that [being a lineman] is just the coolest job ever. We’re really proud of him, and it’s just so great to see him up there.”
Love was certainly in the air at the rodeo, as wives, children and parents cheered and embraced their linemen. One lineman even proposed to his girlfriend on stage in front of all in attendance (she said yes, of course!). But love wasn’t the only thing in the air; a live transmission tower demonstration sent helicopters directly overhead, with the crew attached to the chopper by bungee cord. When the wind from the helicopter started to lift up some of the tents on the ground, the demo was cut short to avoid putting spectators at risk, but it was still one of the day’s more thrilling moments.
Other highlights from the Rodeo included an earthquake simulator, a cable-splicing demo and the screening of the film, “Storm Soldiers,” which tells the story of the linemen who brave the worst weather conditions to bring power back on for countless families and communities.
The IBEW 1245/PG&E Lineman’s Rodeo has grown in leaps and bounds since it first began just three years ago, and has expanded to include more teams from outside of PG&E. This year, Modesto Irrigation District, NV Energy, LADWP and SoCal Edison all sent teams to compete against the PG&E linemen. Many of the local linemen agreed that bringing in these other teams made the competition that much more exciting.
At the end of the day, John Parks, PG&E’s senior director of electric maintenance and construction, gave out the awards for the Rodeo winners, with help from IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell and Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Dean.
IBEW 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell addressing the crowd just before the awards ceremony began.
“When we talk about the Lineman’s Rodeo, we often talk about celebrating the craft. It’s a noble craft that’s been around for more than 150 years. But I’ve never heard a lineman talk about the rodeo that way. When the linemen talk about it, they talk about how much they want to win,” Dalzell said to the crowd just before the awards ceremony. “We’ve celebrated the craft all day, now let’s celebrate the winners!”
To find out which apprentices and journeyman teams came out on top, check out the photo slideshow below.
The results of the Rodeo don’t just determine who gets a trophy; they also determine which apprentices and journeymen will be representing PG&E at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas this fall. Those winners are: Apprentices Jordan Chene, Rob Schneider, Tanner Boren, Mike Moreno, Sean Hunt and Brandon Dance, and Journeymen Curtis Bryan, Landon Patton, Tim Mace, Anthony Albright, Adam Beene and JP Richard.
Although not everyone could leave with an award, each lineman who put his skills to the test left as a winner. Congrats to all the competitors, and a heartfelt thank-you to the families and friends who came out to support them.
