{"id":2078346,"date":"2023-10-24T19:50:02","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T23:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/this-is-amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-their-skills-to-the-test-at-international-competition\/"},"modified":"2023-10-24T19:58:50","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T23:58:50","slug":"this-is-amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-their-skills-to-the-test-at-international-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/this-is-amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-their-skills-to-the-test-at-international-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"World&#8217;s top linemen showcase skills at global contest: &#8216;Incredible!&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fthis-is-amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-their-skills-to-the-test-at-international-competition%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2078346&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><h2>This Is Amazing: World&#8217;s Best Linemen Put Their Skills to the Test at International Competition<\/h2>\n<p>Have a long power outage, and you\u2019ll soon have some new \u2063super heroes.<\/p>\n<p>They\u200d don\u2019t wear capes. Instead, they\u2019re \u200bdecked out with hardhats and toolbelts, and\u200b they ride boom trucks. They\u2019re the guys who maintain power lines.<\/p>\n<p>Some call them \u200d\u201celectric cowboys.\u201d And they\u2019re heroes, going \u2063to work in the whatever \u2014 snow, sleet, rain, heat, floods, and\u2063 wildfires.<\/p>\n<p>And like traditional cowboys, they have a rodeo. This \u2063year it was the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linemansrodeokc.com\/about-the-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">39th Annual International Rodeo and Expo<\/a>, held earlier this month in Bonner Springs, Kansas.<\/p>\n<p>There the best electric cowboys compete in climbing, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/this-is-amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-their-skills-to-the-test-at-international-competition\/\" title=\"World's top linemen showcase skills at global contest: 'Incredible!'\">rescuing pretend shock victims<\/a>, and ascending and descending utility poles protecting an egg.<\/p>\n<p>More than 1,300 linemen and apprentices, \u200dincluding some from Canada and Brazil, made up 732 teams to compete.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur career, we\u2019ve actually made a sport out of it,\u201d said Aaron Haderle, who is \u200da manager at a Florida utility and who chairs the executive rodeo committee of the \u2062American Public Power Association, according \u200cto <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wsj.com\/us-news\/extreme-weather-utility-workers-lineman-rodeo-e8a339b3?st=m7h45y3px1y3irx&#038;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Wall Street Journal.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For linemen\u2019s rodeo competitors, the emphasis \u2064is speed and \u2014 as is mandatory in this trade of heights \u200band high voltage \u2014 safety, safety, safety. Participants not only have to practice physical techniques to \u200dcompete, but have \u200dto study rulebooks.<\/p>\n<p>Linemen have a sense of community, not only among the linemen themselves but in the care they have for the\u2064 localities where they build, maintain, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/ap-argentina-uruguay-work-to-restore-power-after-major-failure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">restore the vital power grid<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s\u2064 no wonder that years ago, when the linemen finally got near our \u200crural Arkansas house after weeks of \u200bno power due to an ice storm, my wife was blowing them kisses. I think she made them baked goods, too.<\/p>\n<p>And it\u2019s not only sufferers of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/ap-trump-epa-close-to-gutting-obama-rule-on-coal-power-plants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">power failures<\/a> admiring linemen. Kids at the rodeo were \u2063awestruck, and \u200bthe cry of\u200d \u201cDaddy!\u201d could repeatedly be heard, The Wall Street Journal said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn the eyes of children,\u200d these participants are somewhat heroic,\u201d according to Steve \u200dHarmon, \u200bCEO of a Virginia electric cooperative. He\u2019s also chair of a similar event in\u200d his state, the Gaff-n-Go Lineworker Rodeo.<\/p>\n<p>The competition also gives linemen a unique satisfaction. \u201cMy family doesn\u2019t get to see \u2064it, but now I\u200c have the opportunity to do it and showcase my \u200dabilities,\u201dsaid Brock Baker, who works for of\u2064 Xcel Energy in \u200bAmarillo, Texas.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/mike-rowe-issues-warning-hideous-workforce-trend-unprecedented-us-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mike Rowe<\/a> \u200c of\u2064 TV\u2019s \u201cDirty Jobs\u201d fame, who promotes people entering the trades, posted on\u200b Facebook: \u201cThis is amazing. \u2026 This is what the trades need to \u200ddo across the board \u2013 celebrate the skill that makes the underlying\u200b vocation cool.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>Among activities at the linemen\u2019s rodeo was a timed climbing of \u200ca 40-foot pole to rescue \u201cRodeo Joe,\u201d a mannequin portraying a shock \u2064victim.<\/p>\n<p>In another competition, a lineman placed an egg in a bag, carried it up the pole, then carried it down in his mouth.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps no golfer studies a \u200dgreen\u2063 for a difficult putt like a lineman examining the cartons of Best Choice Large Grade A eggs in order\u2062 to find what Florida\u2019s\u2064 Clay\u2064 Baxter of Duke \u200cEnergy called\u200d \u201cmy perfect egg.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And there are mystery challenges revealed just before the contest begins. This\u200b year\u2064 one mystery feat was changing\u2062 a utility pole crossarm;\u200b another was to \u2062replace jumpers on \u2064a pole.<\/p>\n<p>But\u2064 the real world awaits.<\/p>\n<p>After\u2062 a \u200drodeo like this, no doubt the weather and normal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/homeland-security-report-terrorists-pose-profound-threat-electric-grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">breakdowns of their giant electrical systems<\/a> will have these guys (and a few women) back on their trucks and out making things right.<\/p>\n<p>So\u2062 if your lights go out some stormy night, think about\u200d more than finding your flashlight or candles.<\/p>\n<p>Somebody is out there working hard around the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/biden-may-just-signed-away-electric-grid-china\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">high voltage<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/5-reasons-men-love-digging-tunnels\/\" title=\"5 Reasons Men Love Digging Tunnels\">put things back<\/a>\u2063 together. Probably in the rain, too.<\/p>\n<p>So think\u2063 about them, and thank them when \u200cyou can, the electric cowboys.<\/p>\n<hr>\n<h3>A Note from \u200bOur \u2062Founder:<\/h3>\n<p><em><b>Every morning, we\u2063 at The \u2063Western Journal wake up and pursue our mission of giving you the important information you need about what\u2019s happening in America.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=BM6XAWRJ8NS7A&#038;utm_source=site&#038;utm_medium=westernjournalism&#038;utm_campaign=authorpitch\"><b>We can\u2019t do that without your help<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>America has been on \u200cthe receiving end of false \u2062narratives. The purpose\u200d of \u200dthese false narratives is to make you feel powerless. The Western Journal \u2064empowers you by breaking these false narratives.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=BM6XAWRJ8NS7A&#038;utm_source=site&#038;utm_medium=westernjournalism&#038;utm_campaign=authorpitch\"><b>I wouldn\u2019t be honest with you today if I didn\u2019t let you \u200cknow that the\u2062 future of The Western Journal is \u2064in jeopardy<\/b><\/a><b>  \u200dwithout your help<\/b>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Silicon Valley and the Big Tech\u200c tyrants have done everything they can to put The Western Journal out of business. Our faithful donors and subscribers have kept us going.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=BM6XAWRJ8NS7A&#038;utm_source=site&#038;utm_medium=westernjournalism&#038;utm_campaign=authorpitch\"><b>If you\u2019ve never\u2063 chosen to donate, let me be\u2062 honest:<\/b> <b>We need your help today<\/b><\/a><b>.<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Please don\u2019t \u2063wait one minute.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=BM6XAWRJ8NS7A&#038;utm_source=site&#038;utm_medium=westernjournalism&#038;utm_campaign=authorpitch\"> <b>Donate right \u200dnow<\/b><\/a>  \u2013 our situation in America is dire. Our country hangs by a thread, and The Western\u2062 Journal stands for truth in\u200c this difficult time.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><b>Please stand \u2063with us by donating today.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Floyd G. Brown<br \/>\nFounder of The Western Journal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The post <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/amazing-worlds-best-linemen-put-skills-test-international-competition\/\">&#8216;This Is Amazing&#8217;: World&#8217;s Best Linemen Put Their Skills to the\u200d Test at International Competition<\/a> appeared first on <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\">The Western Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> How do \u200blinemen show a sense of community and commitment to the localities they\u200d serve<\/h2>\n<p><span>  Ref=&#8221;https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/about\/&#8221; target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; rel=&#8221;noopener&#8221;>Learn\u2062 more about our mission here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><b>The Western Journal<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n<hr>\n<h2>This Is Amazing: World&#8217;s Best Linemen Put Their Skills to the Test \u200cat International Competition<\/h2>\n<p>A group of extraordinary individuals who maintain \u2064power lines, often referred to as &#8220;electric cowboys,&#8221; recently gathered in\u2064 Bonner Springs, Kansas for the 39th Annual International Rodeo and Expo. This event showcased the incredible skills and dedication of more than 1,300 linemen and apprentices,\u2063 including\u200d participants\u2063 from Canada and Brazil.<\/p>\n<p>The linemen&#8217;s rodeo, which features a \u200dvariety of competitions, celebrates the talents of these unsung heroes who work \u200btirelessly to ensure the proper functioning \u2062of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/biden-administration-announces-3-5-billion-to-strengthen-power-grids-against-blackouts\/\" title=\"Biden admin allocates .5B to fortify power grids, prevent blackouts.\">power \u2064grids<\/a>. From climbing utility poles and rescuing pretend shock victims to \u2064protecting fragile eggs \u200bduring ascents and \u200cdescents, the linemen demonstrated their abilities with \u200cboth speed and exceptional safety precautions.<\/p>\n<p>According to Aaron Haderle, a manager\u2062 at a Florida utility \u2063and \u200bchair of\u2064 the executive\u200d rodeo\u2062 committee of \u200bthe American\u2062 Public Power\u200c Association, \u200blinemen have\u2064 transformed their career into a sport. This \u200demphasizes their passion for what they do \u2064and \u2062the pride they take in their abilities.<\/p>\n<p>Not only \u200ddo linemen excel in their\u200c physical techniques, but they also \u2063demonstrate a strong sense of community. These dedicated professionals not only support and care \u2062for their fellow linemen but also display a deep commitment to the localities they serve. This devotion\u200c is evident in \u200ctheir\u2063 efforts to build, maintain, and \u200brestore power\u200b grids, which are vital for the functioning of society.<\/p>\n<p>The linemen&#8217;s rodeo not only impresses those who have experienced power failures, but\u200d it\u2062 also captivates the hearts of children attending the event. \u200dIn their eyes, the participants\u2062 are viewed as\u2064 heroes. \u200cSteve Harmon, CEO of a Virginia electric cooperative and \u2063chair of a similar\u200c event in his state, \u200dstated that children find the\u200d lin<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>During a prolonged power outage, ordinary individuals transform into unconventional heroes. Dressed in hardhats, toolbelts, and riding boom trucks, these power line maintenance workers, often referred to as &#8220;electric cowboys,&#8221; fearlessly brave harsh weather conditions like snow, sleet, and rain to restore electricity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2018,"featured_media":2078347,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[548],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2078346","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-conservative-news-daily"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2078346","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2018"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2078346"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2078346\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2078347"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2078346"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2078346"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2078346"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}