Garland, Texas - On July 15, under the sweltering San Antonio heat, two teams of volunteers from Garland Power & Light competed against 39 other utilities in the 5th Annual Texas Lineman's Rodeo & Expo.

In the municipal electric division, GP&L's team of Richard Martinez, Jon Bender, and Harold McNair placed 4th after losing a tie breaker for 3rd with Denton Municipal Electric. GP&L's team of Chuck Garrett, Mark Tidwell, and Jeff English placed 8th. In the individual apprentice contest, GP&L's Danny Ruff and Terry Morton finished 5th and 8th respectively. GP&L's overall team score of 793 was only one point behind municipal division winner Austin Energy.

"The focus of the rodeo is for the participants to demonstrate safety working habits while showcasing their skills in a technically-proficient manner," said Mark Albright, GP&L's Risk and Safety Coordinator. "Each time an individual participates in a rodeo event, they learn techniques that ultimately improve job performance."

Linemen from across the state compete against each other in a variety of categories. Points are awarded to each individual based on safety, quality, and speed of performance. The overall team scores are a combination of the individual points earned by each lineman.

The two lineman teams and two apprentices will now compete in the 17th Annual International Lineman's Rodeo and Expo on September 9 in Kansas City, Kansas. "Competing at the international level gives our teams a sense of pride and accomplishment," said Albright. "It is definitely a morale booster."