LINEMAN RODEO SPOTLIGHTS HEROES IN HARDHATS
Posted: July 20th, 2010 4:30 PM
Editor's Note: Three journeyman linemen from Pacific Power's Roseburg service center will be competing Saturday – Jesse Nielsen, Lloyd Novak and Jay Williams. Dan Willis, Roseburg line foreman, will be one of the judges at the event.
July 20, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Power will match concession profits with donation to the Oregon Burn Center
GRESHAM, Ore. — Ever climb up a power pole and all the back way down while holding a raw egg—and not breaking it? Come watch some guys do that in a record time, racing the clock.
That's just one of the events at the 17th annual Lineman Rodeo set for Saturday, July 24, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the PGE Linneman Station, 3450 W. Powell Blvd., Gresham. Parking and admission are free; concession stands will sell cool refreshments and food.
The opening ceremony for this year's event takes place at 8 a.m. While the competition kicks off around 9 a.m., you'll find most of the hottest action taking place between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"There are the things linemen do every day in their commitment to keeping your lights on and making sure the electrical system is safe and reliable," said Bill Eaquinto, vice president of operations. "At Pacific Power, we've been doing that for customers for100 years. The tools may differ over the decades, but the dedication to our customers is just as strong."
Events like the raw egg climb are fun, but the 80-plus linemen taking part in this year's competition are serious about safety and keeping their skills sharp. The event draws linemen from Oregon, Washington, Idaho and other western states. Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, IBEW Local 125, IBEW Local 659 and Clark Public Utilities sponsor the event, considered one of the most challenging lineman rodeos in the country.
Pacific Power crews and apprentice linemen competing this year come from Roseburg, Albany and Klamath Falls.
"One of the great things about this event is that it gives you an appreciation for the kind of work linemen do," added Eaquinto. "These guys are pretty competitive, so pick your favorite. It's loads of fun to watch."
While competitions for linemen and apprentices take top billing at this event, the rodeo offers lots of fun for the whole family. Highlights this year include a women's pole climb (open to non-linemen), face painting, coin scramble for children, door prizes and a visit from a Life Flight helicopter.
Contestants are judged by the following criteria: safety; work practice; neatness and ability; equipment handling, and timely competition of the event (used only as a tie-breaker). Results are announced after the conclusion of the last events, at approximately 4 p.m. Winners can compete in mid-October at the International Lineman's Rodeo in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
Pacific Power will donate an amount matching concession profits to the Oregon Burn Center. Through this effort and others, Pacific Power and the Pacific Power Foundation have given the center and Emanuel Medical Center Foundation more than $300,000 since 1989, and employees have contributed countless volunteer hours.
For more information, visit www.PNWLinemanRodeo.com.
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About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to more than 733,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
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