Wake Forest Power Lineman Hugo Mier was the first-place overall winner at the 2019 NC Association of Municipal Electric Systems Lineman’s Rodeo held May 16 in Fayetteville.
Mier, along with Wake Forest Power lineman Joe Shearin competed against over 25 other linemen in the Journeyman division, while Tripp Jefferys, Lonnie Wilson and Jason Walters participated in the Apprentice division. A qualified Journeyman has more than five years of experience in line work, while a qualified Apprentice has less than five years of line work experience.
The Lineman’s Rodeo is an opportunity for public power linemen throughout North Carolina to put their skills to the test and compete against their peers in several job-related categories. Each contestant is scored on safety procedures, work practices, equipment handling, neatness and timely completion of the event. The linemen rely on their daily work practices to excel in these events.
In addition to finishing first overall, Mier took home first place in the pole transfer, second place in both the underground event and ally arm event, and third place in the hurt man rescue.
Shearin, who finished fifth overall, won fourth place in both the hurt man rescue and ally arm event and fifth place in the pole transfer. Meanwhile, Jefferys was the safety award winner, while Wilson won third place in the apprentice test.
Mier’s first place finish overall qualifies him to participate at the 2020 American Public Power Association Lineworkers Rodeo in Kansas City, Kansas.
The purpose of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems is to promote the interest and welfare of Municipal Electric Systems of the state of North Carolina; to assist these systems in the advancement in the design, construction, maintenance, administration, and operation of these systems; to develop improvements in safety and training; to encourage closer relationships between these systems; to encourage the adherence of municipal electrical supervisors to a higher professional standard; and to offer an opportunity to discuss and exchange information , ideas and experiences and through these purposes to encourage and promote municipal electrical service.
For more information, contact Electric Systems Division Manager Chris Terrell at cterrell@wakeforestnc.gov<mailto:cterrell@wakeforestnc.gov>.
