Contributed to the Telegram

Fast response time, quick restoration after a power outage, and reliable electricity are all reasons the city of Rocky Mount Utilities department strives to be the best.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

Steve LeGay, left, and Casey Temple are shown in the winner's circle at the Lowe's Motor Speedway, the site of the N.C. Association of Municipal Electric Systems Lineman's Rodeo.

The key to all of these important measurements is electrical safety.

The utilities department had seven linemen compete in the 11th annual N.C. Association of Municipal Electric Systems Lineman's Rodeo on April 29 in Charlotte.

Steve LeGay, Russ Madry, Brandon Jones, and Casey Temple competed in the apprentice division. Steve McBride and Doug Tant competed in the journeyman division. Mike Chappell coached the team.

The purpose of the NCAMES organization 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.

The rodeo is an opportunity for public power linemen in North Carolina to put their skills to the test and compete against their peers in categories related to their jobs.

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.

A qualified journeyman has more than four years of experience in line work.

A qualified apprentice has less than four years of line work experience.

Steve LeGay competed and came in third place overall in the apprentice division.

Casey Temple won first place in the apprentice division for Best Overall in Fuse Change Out.

Keith Tyson, Robert West, and Darryl Strother of the city's electric department served as judges for the event.

Rich Worsinger, utilities director, said: "We congratulate Casey and Steve on their performances. This is truly a reflection of the quality of linemen we have working for the Rocky Mount Utilities Department.

"My hat is off to all of the participants as well as every lineman we have providing reliable and safe electricity to our community."

Rich Worsinger was named president of the N.C. Association of Municipal Electric Systems for the upcoming year at this annual event. He currently holds the position of vice president.

The membership of the association is made up of superintendents, directors, and other supervisory personnel that directly operate municipal electric systems in North Carolina.

The president serves as the chief executive officer of the association.

Worsinger will preside at all meetings of the association and shall be chairperson of the governing body.