BONNER SPRINGS, KS - It's back to back victory for the Army Reserve linemen from Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), 368th Engineer Battalion, 302nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The 'Build Strong' team out of Cranston, Rhode Island, once again, took the top trophy in the Military Category at the 29th annual International Lineman's Rodeo.
The prestigious, annual competition hosts roughly 3,000 participants and attracts the very best lineworkers from around the world. It is designed to help maintain a focus on safety and safe work practices, to recognize their technical craft skills, and to provide an opportunity for the professionals in the linework trade to receive recognition for their skills.
Capt. John S. Kotula, Jr., commander of Delta Company, 249th Engineer Battalion (Prime Power), is proud of his team for their hard work, commitment to training and staying on point throughout the competition. He also thanks and acknowledges the continued support of his leaders, Soldiers and Family members for their enduring support. "We will continue to learn, teach and Build Strong!," he said.
The 'Build Strong' team, along with other competititors representing electric utilities from across the United States and countries like Brazil, Canada, Jamaica and Great Britain, competed in a variety of events designed to display the skill sets required to keep power flowing on the electrical distribution system.
Linemen are scored in their proficiency, skill, and safety in four events: Hurt Man Rescue, Pole Climb, and two mystery events that are unannounced until the day of the event. Events were scored by time and safety. Any action or situation that is deemed unsafe, during the event, resulted in a penalty, or 'ding'. Placement is by speed of all teams with no dings, then by teams with one ding, then by teams with two dings, etc. An example of a ding is when a lineman loses his footing while ascending or descending a distribution pole, commonly called a
'kick-out'.
The object of the Hurt Man Rescue event is to rescue an injured lineman as quickly as possible from a distribution pole using all safety procedures and pole-top rescue techniques. Time starts at the judge's signal with the rescuing Lineman standing at least an arm's length from the distribution pole and with his climbing gear and Personal Protective Equipment lying on the ground.
The rescuing lineman will put on, adjust climbing equipment and PPE, and only then begin ascending the distribution pole to the injured lineman. The injured lineman must be lowered smoothly to the ground. The rescuing lineman must climb down the pole safely with one gaff in the pole at all times. The timed event will stop when the rescuing lineman has both feet on the ground.
Lineman work is a complicated job that few people understand, and this competition gives linemen a chance to be judged on their skills. The fact that Delta Company, 249th
Engineer Battalion (Prime Power) teams placed 1st and 2nd in the Journeyman Military Category, is a testament to their technique and expertise.
The International Lineman's Rodeo is an opportunity to bring public awareness to the Army Reserve's Electric Utility Company, as well as foster and build camaraderie among participants from various companies.
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