Electric cooperative lineworkers from across Georgia put their skills to the test at the 2025 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, held Saturday, May 3, at the FFA Camp John Hope in Perry.
Journeyman teams and apprentices from Georgia’s electric membership corporations (EMCs), including Habersham EMC, joined municipal electric system teams from across the state in a day of spirited competition designed to showcase the precision, safety, and teamwork demanded of the electric linework trade.
“The Lineman’s Rodeo is a unique opportunity to see firsthand the strength, skill, and focus it takes to succeed in this profession,” said Cody Thomas, Operations Director at Habersham EMC. “Working at great heights, in all weather, with high-voltage equipment isn’t just a job—it’s a commitment to keeping communities connected and safe.”
Now celebrating its 31st year, the Georgia Linemen’s Rodeo has become a cherished tradition. With family-friendly events and a supportive crowd, the rodeo allows lineworkers to share their expertise with loved ones while reinforcing the importance of home support in their demanding field, especially during power outages and severe weather.
“EMC journeyman linemen and apprentices are among the best in their field in Georgia and across the nation,” said Cody Thomas, Operations Director. Their participation in the rodeo is important since it serves as a continuing education opportunity for them with a focus on safety, training, and safe work practices. The crews really enjoy it because it’s also a great time to build camaraderie across electric utilities in Georgia and the Southeast.”
This year, 136 EMC apprentices competed in 4 events: hurt-man rescue, apprentice secondary neutral change, and 2 mystery events.
A total of 27 EMC journeymen teams were tested in 4 events: hurt-man rescue, lightning arrestor and cut-out change, and 2 mystery events.
Their vast experience and dedication were evident during the competition. The HEMC journeymen team took home 3rd place in the EMC division of the Hurt-Man Rescue. That team consisted of linemen Dillon Welborn, Chase Dunahoo, and Robert Morris and was coached by Chris Chapman. This team will move on to compete at the International Lineman’s Rodeo later this year in Kansas.
The apprentices who also competed were Coley Loudermilk, Tanner Wade, Tanner Jarrard, and Austin Worley, coached by Isaac Wall.
EMC linemen competed from 14 co-ops including Blue Ridge Mountain EMC in Young Harris, Canoochee EMC in Reidsville, Carroll EMC in Carrollton, Cobb EMC in Marietta, Coweta-Fayette EMC in Palmetto, Flint Energies in Reynolds, GreyStone Power in Douglasville, Habersham EMC in Clarkesville, Hart EMC in Hartwell, Jackson EMC in Jefferson, Rayle EMC in Washington, Snapping Shoals EMC in Covington, Walton EMC in Monroe and Washington EMC in Sandersville.
