Title
Special Recognition of Energy Delivery Apprentice Line Workers (NB)
Explanation
Each year, the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) sponsors the Florida Lineman Competition. Utilities from around the state send their best and brightest journeyman and apprentice line workers to compete in team and individual events designed to showcase their skills and abilities. Competitors earn points for completing the tasks as quickly as possible and lose points if safety standards and proper work practices are not met.
The Energy Delivery Electric Transmission and Distribution division took nine Apprentice Line Workers to the FMEA’s 17th Annual Florida Lineman Competition in Lakeland, Florida, on April 22 & 23, 2017. This year’s event was hosted by Lakeland Electric and held at Tigertown Complex in Lakeland.
Representing GRU in the competition were Dalton Thacker, Cason Nessmith, Justin Dickerson, Sam Bailey, Kortland Key, Michael Morgan, John Reger, Chris Morrow and Daniel Ash. Jason Gore, Gary McKenzie and David Sparks represented GRU as judges for the competition.
Out of 76 Apprentice linemen in the competition, GRU’s Michael Morgan placed first in the overall competition and Daniel Ash placed fourth. Michael received a check to be applied towards participation in the national competition. Michael also received a second place trophy for the Crossarm Brace Change Out and fifth place in the Apprentice Written Test. Dan Ash also placed first in the Hurt Man Rescue, third in the Crossarm Brace Change Out and fourth in the Insulator Relocation. Also receiving trophies were Kortland Key, who placed first in the Cross Arm Brace Change Out, second in the Mystery Event and fourth in the Hurt Man Rescue; John Reger, who placed fourth in the Apprentice Written Test; and Cason Nessmith, who placed fifth in the Hurt Man Rescue. Justin Dickerson placed fifth in the Phase Transfer event.
Overall this was a very successful endeavor for GRU. Our apprentice line workers competed to a very high standard and represented GRU well. This whole team gave the utility some bragging rights that have eluded us for several years. We have a great future in store with these young guys coming up.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear a presentation by Energy Delivery staff and Apprentice Line Workers.