BROKEN BOW – The 11th annual Nebraska Lineworkers’ Rodeo is slated for tomorrow and Friday at the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow.
The event is open to the public, and each year showcases the skill and mettle required for electrical workers to keep the lights on.
Teams from utility districts all across Nebraska will compete not just for pride, but as invaluable training to ensure they stay sharp and safe in the line of duty. The event will also help linemen build connections between their various
Linemen work during dangerous outages such as in and after extreme weather events, climbing poles, handling heavy equipment, and dealing with usually still-energized wires.
During the rodeo, two-person lineman crews will be judged on their abilities to quickly and safely complete all manner of tasks related to their work, from pole-climbing to rescue operations.
Teams will be divided into two divisions: apprentice and journeyman. Apprentice linemen will compete in a written test that will evaluate an apprentice’s knowledge of safety and working field knowledge.
Both apprentice and journeyman linemen will compete in the “Hurtman Rescue,” where teams of two will scamper up a full-size power pole to rescue a mannequin caught in the wires. Teams will be scored on the speed and accuracy of the rescue.
Additionally, two mystery events will be unveiled at Thursday’s 3 p.m. question and answer session. All events will take place on Friday after the 8:30 a.m. opening ceremony and will conclude with a banquet and awards following Friday afternoon’s Mutual Aid Event.
The event is organized by Nebraska utility groups and their partners. More information about the Nebraska Lineworkers’ Rodeo can be found here.
