BARC Electric Cooperative is celebrating multiple awards earned by its team at the 22nd annual Gaff-n-Go Lineworker Rodeo this spring.
Hosted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives, the event highlights the skills of electric lineworkers who keep power flowing safely and reliably across the region.
The competition brought together more than 200 journeymen, 90 apprentices and 140 equipment operators from 12 states. Competitors participated in events that reflect their daily work, while being judged on safety, speed and accuracy.
The BARC team consisted of journeymen Sam Schindler and Will Reid, both of Rockbridge, and Caleb Armstrong from Allegheny.
Apprentices consisted of Tanner Buchanan and Derek Smith, both from Rockbridge, along with Quinton Gamble and Ashby Taylor from Bath.
Derek Smith came in second in three categories, overall apprentice, double dead-end insulator change-out, and hurtman rescue.
In the lineworker down –CPR category, Quinton Gamble came in first and Ashby Taylor came in second.
“Our linemen showed incredible dedication and represented BARC with true professionalism at this year’s Gaff-n-Go Rodeo,” said BARC Electric Cooperative CEO Bill Buchanan. “Events like this are a great way to celebrate and share their specialized skills with our communities, but the real testament to their hard work is the dedication they bring to the job every day, rain or shine.”
To learn more about the Gaffn- Go Rodeo, visit gaff-n-go.com.
