DEC Lineworkers Showcase Skills at Gaff-n-Go Rodeo

GREENWOOD, Del. — Lineworkers from Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC) recently traveled to Doswell, Virginia, to compete in the 22nd annual Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, where apprentice lineworker Christian Fletcher earned third place overall in the apprentice category and qualified for the International Lineman's Rodeo in Kansas City this October.

Fletcher also placed third on the apprentice written test during the nationally recognized competition, which brought together some of the industry’s top lineworkers to showcase the skill, precision and teamwork required to safely maintain the electric grid. Held annually, this year's rodeo took place May 15–16 and featured 92 apprentice competitors and 54 journeyman teams from utilities across the country.

After more than a month of preparation beginning in early April, the Cooperative was represented by apprentice lineworkers Mike Hudson, Beau Chaffinch, Jordan Wescott and Fletcher, along with two journeyman teams: Cole Baker, Ben Gray and Chris Whiteman; and Dale Breeding, Harrison Burris and Billy Mellon.

Several DEC employees also volunteered during the event. Shane Payne, Wayne Tesoro, Jon Pentoney and Ron Wieber served as event judges, and Kyle Cephas, Josh Wharton and Taylor Budke participated in the Gaff-n-Grill competition held May 15.

The Gaff-n-Go Rodeo features challenges modeled after real-world situations crews may encounter on the job. Events included climbing and equipment work, insulator changeouts and the popular Hurtman Rescue event, where participants safely rescue a 175-pound stunt dummy representing an injured coworker from the top of a utility pole.

“Competitions like Gaff-n-Go showcase the dedication, skills and teamwork required of lineworkers every day,” said DEC President and CEO Rob Book. “We’re incredibly proud of Christian and the entire DEC team for the professionalism and dedication they demonstrated throughout the competition.”

Fletcher joined DEC in 2020 as an apprentice and is currently in the fourth year of his intensive five-year training program to become a journeyman lineman.

For more information on the Gaff-n-Go Rodeo, visit www.gaff-n-go.com.

Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned utility serving more than 300,000 people in Kent and Sussex counties. For more information, visit www.delaware.coop or follow DEC on social media.