It was a great day of competition for City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) Journeymen and Apprentice Electricians who showed off their skills, strength, and safety know-how at the annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo hosted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC).
The event, held at Lincoln Land Community College’s Line School facility on September 25, brought together 19 teams from utilities across Illinois—all competing to show who’s got the best balance of speed, precision, and above all, safety.
CWLP’s team—Scott Boehm, Nolan Ernst, and Adam Stade—rose to the challenge, winning first place in the Hurt Man Rescue and second place in the 40-foot Transition Climb. These events test quick thinking and expert technique under pressure, simulating real-world situations where every second counts.
And the victories didn’t stop there. CWLP’s Keaton McCart excelled in the individual competitions, earning Best Overall honors. McCart also took 2nd place in the Armor Rod Install and grabbed 3rd place finishes in the 40-foot Transition Climb and Hurt Man Rescue—a testament to his skill, consistency, and dedication to the craft.
Competitors were judged on more than speed. Safety was the ultimate measure of success—with judges watching closely for proper technique, secure climbing, and careful tool handling. Deductions were made for slips, drops, or incorrect procedures, underscoring the same principles CWLP’s crews live by every day on the job.
Events like the Lineman’s Rodeo celebrate the essential, often unseen, work that keeps our community’s lights on and power flowing. For CWLP’s lineworkers, it’s not just about competition—it’s about camaraderie, craftsmanship, and the constant pursuit of safety and excellence.
