Kissimmee Linemen Lasso 2 Trophies at National Rodeo

Kissimmee Utility Authority linemen brought home high marks and two trophies from Saturday’s Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo in Colorado Springs, Colorado -- the Super Bowl of electric linemen.

Hosted by the American Public Power Association, the rodeo attracted 78 teams and 130 apprentices from utilities across the U.S. who gathered to demonstrate the safety, skill and endurance of electric linemen. The competition consisted of five timed events.

KUA’s journeyman lineman team, featuring Austin Franey, Shane Paras and Billy White, finished third in the nation in the hurtman rescue event, simulating the rescue of an injured co-worker.

Apprentice lineman Brendan Laflamme finished third in the nation in the load transfer event.

Other KUA linemen who competed included apprentices Austin Gunther and Chris Kitting. In addition, Robert Diaz served as team alternate, David Wolfe served as an event judge and Aaron Haderle served as the rodeo’s journeyman master judge.