GARLAND, Texas, April 25, 2005 - A team of journeyman linemen from Garland Power & Light (GP&L) came in 6th place overall at a national competition held in Memphis, Tennessee, April 15-16.

Competition at the American Public Power Association’s fifth annual Public Power Lineworkers’ Rodeo includes a series of competitive events in which linemen compete against each other to demonstrate safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handing and timely event completion.

The GP&L teams faced stiff competition, with 60 teams from not-for-profit community-owned electric utilities from across the nation vying in several events. Most events happened high in the air on electric distribution poles, simulating such activities as changing out an insulator or rescuing an injured coworker.

The 6th place overall winning team comprised of Brad Price, Tommy Powell and Scott DeHoyos also placed 2nd in the URD Terminator and Elbow Installation event and 3rd in the Cross Arm Change Out event.

Apprentice Lineman Josh Rotan placed 8th overall out of 69 apprentice entrants.

“Working as a lineman is dangerous, highly skilled work,” said GP&L’s Rodeo Coordinator George Flournoy. “Participating in a rodeo is a great opportunity for linemen to hone and demonstrate safety and work skills.”

The individuals on GP&L’s rodeo team take their own time away from work to practice and travel to linemen’s rodeos two to three times a year.