PG&E Journeyman Lineworkers and Apprentices Shine as Lineman’s Rodeo Returns to Livermore

By Benjamin Spillman

For the first time in more than two years, the sights and sounds of friendly competition and family togetherness brightened the grounds of PG&E’s Livermore Electric Safety Academy.

Apprentice Daniel Loftstrand of Dinuba competes in the 2022 West Coast Lineman’s Rodeo in Livermore on Saturday, May 21. (Photos by Benjamim Spillman.)

The PG&E/IBEW 1245 West Coast Lineman’s Rodeo returned for the first time since 2019 and line crews and apprentices from PG&E and utilities around California and beyond showed little signs of rust.

“We completed this rodeo safely, that’s the most important thing,” said Lineman’s Rodeo Committee Lead Sid Silva. “Line crews and apprentices showcased their craft and their family and friends got to see we they do day in and day out.”

Approximately 60 journeyman and more than 20 apprentices competed in events that tested skills such as pole climbing, companion rescue and safely swapping out electric line hardware.

While the competition is conducted on de-energized equipment in a training environment, the competitors are scored on a system that simulates real life work by deducting points for mistakes.

And some events, such as the pole climb, include unusual challenges such as safely transporting an egg without breaking it and without competitors using their hands.

PG&E apprentices pose with hardware won during the 2022 West Coast Lineman’s Rodeo in Livermore.

“I always feel immense pride when I see our co-workers put their skills on display for us,” said Wade Smith, senior vice president of Electric Operations. “I love watching the kids see what their parents do.”

In addition to the action on the competition grounds, the event featured more than 50 vendors, food trucks, interactive health and safety displays and a kids area with a climbing wall, painting and plenty of games. There was also a chance for attendees to ascend above the grounds in the bucket of a 125-foot bucket truck.

Thanks to the support of PG&E coworkers who volunteered their time to manage and support the event, the families of competitors and others had the chance to spend the day watching the competition and enjoying the other amenities.

“I want to thank all the families and friends who came out to cheer the competitors on,” IBEW 1245 Business Representative Mike Saner said. “It was a great, safe day.”

In addition to providing an opportunity for competitors to showcase skills in friendly competition, top PG&E teams and apprentices got the chance to qualify for the International Lineman’s Rodeo held annually in Overland Park, Kan.

Competitors make their way up poles during the PG&E/IBEW 1245 Lineman's Rodeo competition in Livermore.

Four PG&E teams and six apprentices qualified for the International event, which is scheduled for October.

 2022 PG&E IBEW 1245 West Coast Lineman’s Rodeo Results

Journeyman Teams

Pole Climb

First: Jordan Ralls, Ben Boardway, Carson Penny (PG&E)

Second: Brandon Gloria, David Angove, Kyle Vanderpool (IBEW 47)

Third: Francisco Flores, Dustin Curry, Brandon Dance (PG&E)

Hurt Man Rescue

First: Daniel Jameson, Cole Rae Plouffe, Steve Lekvold (Sturgeon Electric/ Local 47

Second: Brandon Gloria, David Angove, Kyle Vanderpool (PG&E)

Third: Francisco Flores, Dustin Curry, Brandon Dance (PG&E)

Mystery Event One

First: Curt Norris, Toby Claude, Brian Wheeler (Hotline Construction)

Second: Francisco Flores, Dustin Curry, Brandon Dance (PG&E)

Third:  Logan Schaffer, Anthony Albright, JP Richard (PG&E)

Mystery Event Two

First: Logan Schaffer, Anthony Albright, JP Richard (PG&E)

Second: Luke Bogart, Heath Hatch, Jacob Floppy Hunt (PG&E/RMP)

Third: Brandon Gloria, David Angove, Kyle Vanderpool (IBEW 47)

Lineman David Carlon, from Stockton, takes a break between competitions at the West Coast Lineman’s Rodeo.

Journeyman Overall

First: Logan Schaffer, Anthony Albright, JP Richard (PG&E)

Second: Jordan Ralls, Ben Boardway, Carson Penny (PG&E)

Third: Justin Schuppert, Drew Fitzgerald, Josh Turner (PG&E)

Journeyman Teams to Represent PG&E in Kansas City

Logan Schaffer, Anthony Albright, JP Richard (PG&E)

Jordan Ralls, Ben Boardway, Carson Penny (PG&E)

Justin Schuppert, Drew Fitzgerald, Josh Turner (PG&E)

Francisco Flores, Dustin Curry, Brandon Dance (PG&E)

Apprentice Results

Pole Climb

First: Hugh Chandler (Sturgeon Electric)

Second: DJ Martinez (PG&E)

Third: Francisco Villanueva (PG&E)

Hurt Man Rescue

First: DJ Martinez (PG&E)

Second: Austin Trevino (PG&E)

Third: Francisco Villnueva (PG&E)

Mystery Event One

First: Sam Peck (PG&E)

Second: Benjamin Cheek (PAR Western Line)

Third: Ricky Boster (PAR Western Line)

Children wrote their names on a sign to remind lineworkers to work safely.

Mystery Event Two

First: Hugh Chandler (Sturgeon Electric)

Second: DJ Martinez (PG&E)

Third: Austin Trevino (PG&E)

Written Exam

First: Austin Trevino (PG&E)

Second: DJ Martinez (PG&E)

Third: Alex Clardy (PG&E)

Overall

First: Austin Trevino (PG&E)

Second: DJ Martinez (PG&E)

Third: Francisco Villanueva (PG&E)

Apprentices Representing PG&E in Kansas City

Austin Trevino

DJ Martinez

Francisco Villanueva

Jonathon Pacheco

Alex Clardy

Daniel Loftsrand

Email Currents at Currents@pge.com.