Team 42 from PG&E.
Kansas City, MO — Journeymen, apprentices, families, and friends converged in Kansas City this past weekend for the International Lineman’s Rodeo, where competitors climbed, rigged, rescued, and problem-solved under tight safety rules and the scrutiny of veteran judges.
“Line work is one of the toughest, most demanding jobs there is,” said IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean. “The rodeo puts that skill, safety, and brotherhood on full display, and our teams showed up big.”
Senior Assistant Business Manager Ralph Armstrong added, “Our members represent the highest standard of skill and safety anywhere in the country,” Armstrong said. “It’s great to see them come together each year, bringing the same teamwork and pride they show on every job.”
IBEW 1245 Results
1245 members from PG&E and Turlock Irrigation District (TID) made an impressive showing in Kansas City, bringing home top awards in several categories:
Apprentice Division – Investor-Owned Utility (IOU)
• 1st Place Overall – Dennis Spars (PG&E)
• 2nd Place Overall – Austin Prendez (PG&E)
• 3rd Place Overall – Marshall Martens (PG&E)
Apprentice Written Test
• 2nd Place – Dennis Spars (PG&E)
• 3rd Place – Austin Prendez (PG&E)
Journeyman Division – Investor-Owned Utility (IOU)
• 3rd Place Overall – PG&E Team #42: Brandon Dance, Francisco Flores & Dustin Curry
Journeyman Mystery Event #2
• 3rd Place – PG&E Team #42: Brandon Dance, Francisco Flores & Dustin Curry
Municipal Division
• 2nd Place Overall – TID Team: John Damas, Josh Klikna & Dustin Krieger
Willie Warren Joins the Lineman Hall of Fame
This year’s rodeo also marked a special moment for IBEW 1245, as longtime member Willie Warren was inducted into the Lineman Hall of Fame. The first Black lineman to work for PG&E and an IBEW 1245 member since 1959, Warren was recognized for a lifetime of leadership, skill, and service to the trade.
How Teams Reach the Big Stage
The International Rodeo is the championship round of a year-long circuit. Crews first test themselves at local and regional rodeos, earning invites based on performance and safety. By the time they reach Kansas City, competitors have logged months of practice and teamwork, with judging that mirrors the same safety rules used on the job.
About the Rodeo
More than 300 journeyman teams and 400 apprentices from across the U.S., Canada, and beyond competed in events that test both skill and safety — from the hurt man rescue and pole climb to timed “mystery” troubleshooting tasks. The multi-day event also includes a trade expo, safety conference, and two days of competition at the National Agriculture Center & Hall of Fame in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
In addition to being the top competition for linemen, the rodeo is a homecoming for the trade, a place where brothers and sisters come together each year to sharpen their skills and celebrate the profession that keeps our communities powered.
IBEW 1245 is proud to support the linemen, apprentices, and families who make this trade strong, skilled, and union proud.
3rd Place Overall for Investor Owned Utility, PG&E Apprentice Marshall Martens.
2nd Place Overall for Investor Owned Utility, PG&E Apprentice Austin Prendez.
2nd place Overall for Municipality Division, TID team of John Damas, John Klikna and Dustin Krieger.
3rd Place Overall for Investor Owned Utility, PG&E Journey man Team of Brandon Dance, Francisco Flores and Dustin Curry.
2nd place Overall, PG&E Apprentice Dennis Spars with PG&E Apprentice Austin Prendez.
5th place overall, the PG&E Journeyman team of Brandon Dance, Francisco Flores and Dustin Curry.
2nd place Overall for Municipality Division, TID team of John Damas, John Klikna and Dustin Krieger.
1st Place Overall for Investor Owned Utility, PG&E Apprentice Dennis Spars.
3rd Place Journeyman Mystery Event #2, PG&E Team #42 of Brandon Dance, Francisco Flores and Dustin Curry.