In late September, members of Wolf Line’s Safety Department attended the annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. Hosted by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) and sponsored in part by Wolf Line, this yearly event is a great opportunity to see linemen from across the region—and have some fun in the process—so we saddled up and hit the road.
Held across the U.S., lineman rodeos are competitions that showcase the expertise, precision, and dedication of electrical linemen. By presenting challenges that mirror real-world job duties, these events highlight the skill and professionalism of lineworkers while bringing visibility to careers in the electrical industry.
At this year’s rodeo, 18 teams from electric cooperatives, municipalities, and individual teams competed in a series of challenging events, including:
Hurt Man Rescue - testing speed and safety in life-saving scenarios.
Armor Rod Install - demonstrating technical expertise and attention to detail.
Cutout Change - highlighting efficiency and accuracy under pressure.
The day wrapped up with lineworkers competing head-to-head in the 40’ Transition Climb, which tested agility, endurance, and safe climbing practices. “The 40-foot was a high-energy and exciting competition this year,” said Barb Harmon, Director of Human Capital at Wolf Line. “But my favorite part was how it truly reinforced the camaraderie of linemen.”
Students from the Lincoln Land Line School played a key role, assisting with event coordination and execution. Their involvement not only contributed to the day’s success but also gave them valuable, hands-on experience with the skills and teamwork that define the profession.
Events like these strengthen connections within the lineworker community while underscoring the importance of safety, skill, and teamwork in the trade. Wolf Line is proud to have been part of the day in Springfield, and we look forward to supporting future rodeos at Lincoln Land.
