Cobb EMC wins Georgia’s Lineman’s Rodeo

Cobb EMC linemen beat out all other EMCs and brought home nine awards from the 20th annual Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, an event that tests linemen’s skills under poor conditions. The day-long competition, held May 2–3 at Camp John Hope in Fort Valley, Georgia, is designed to improve safety training, which is critical in an industry where safe work practices can mean the difference between life and death. 

Utilities compete in one of three divisions: electric membership cooperatives (EMCs), municipal power companies and Georgia Power. During events, linemen competed either as journeymen teams comprised of three linemen and a coach or individually as apprentices.

Cobb EMC crews received the following awards:

• 1st Place in Journeyman EMC Division Awards: Scotty Lyons (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Jeremy Norment (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Josh Poston (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Coach, Keith McCart (Line Foreman)

• 1st Place in Overall Journeyman Awards: Scotty Lyons (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Jeremy Norment (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Josh Poston (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Coach, Keith McCart (Line Foreman)

• 1st Place in Apprentice Obstacle Course Event: John Cameron (Lineman – Step 3); and Coach, Dwayne Cole (Line Foreman)

• 1st Place in Apprentice Mystery Event: John Cameron (Lineman – Step 3); and Coach, Dwayne Cole (Line Foreman)

• 3rd Place in Journeyman Hurtman Rescue: Scotty Lyons (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Jeremy Norment (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Josh Poston (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Coach, Keith McCart (Line Foreman)

• 3rd Place in Journeyman Pole Top Pin & Insulator Change / Hot Stick Event: Scotty Lyons (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Jeremy Norment (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Josh Poston (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Coach, Keith McCart (Line Foreman)

• 3rd Place in Journeyman Primary Down / Grounding 4KV: Scotty Lyons (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Jeremy Norment (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Josh Poston (1st Class Lineman – Step 2); Coach, Keith McCart (Line Foreman)

• 3rd Place in Apprentice EMC Division Awards: John Cameron (Lineman – Step 3); and Coach, Dwayne Cole (Line Foreman)

• 3rd Place in Apprentice Mystery Event: Joe Tatum (Lineman – Step 3); and Coach, Jeff Stevens (Heavy Equipment Operator – Step 2)

• 5th Place in Overall Apprentice Awards: John Cameron (Lineman – Step 3); and Coach, Dwayne Cole (Line Foreman)

In addition to the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, Cobb EMC’s safety department ensures proper safety practices through spot inspections and routine safety trainings for all employees.