GP&L Employees Compete in National Lineworkers Rodeo

GARLAND, March 19, 2004 - Garland Power & Light (GP&L) linemen and apprentices competed with peers from 38 utilities from across the country at the 4th Annual Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo March 6 in San Antonio, Texas. The Rodeo emphasizes professionalism in the areas of safety and training for work around high-voltage power lines and equipment.

In total, 51 three-man lineman teams and 50 apprentices (linemen in training) from publicly-owned electric utilities and electric co-ops competed for national titles in skills related to restoration of electric power. Scoring was based on safety, work practice, neatness & ability, equipment handling and timely completion.

GP&L's lineman teams performed well, especially on their safety scores. The team of Brad Price, Mark Tidwell and Tommy Powell scored a perfect 500 out of 500 based on their safety performance. This perfect safety score, when combined with their recorded time placed them at 9th overall. The other GP&L team comprised of Richard Martinez, Hank Frazier and John Bender scored 496 on the safety assessment.

Apprentice Josh Rotan's safety score of 464 out of 500 was excellent, given this was his first time to participate at a Rodeo.

The volunteer teams and apprentices typically practice after work and on weekends for several months leading up to a Rodeo in order to fine-tune their skills on that rodeo's selected events.

GP&L rodeo participants, judges and support team are looking forward to the Texas Lineworkers Rodeo in Seguin, Texas on July 17.