IBEW members compete in BC Hydro Safety Rodeo 2008

Back row from left: Dan Klassen, ABM; Doug McKay, Business Manager; Michelle Laurie, President; Dan Giesbrecht, ABM. Front row: Don McNabb, ABM; Jim Greenwell, Senior ABM.

IBEW members joined with the Power Pioneers, members of COPE 378 and hundreds of visitors on a Saturday afternoon in June as they showcased their skills and abilities and highlighted safe working methods at the 2008 BC Hydro Safety Rodeo that took place in Surrey, BC.

As one of the event’s sponsors, Local 258 had a prominent display booth at the Safety Rodeo where Business Manager Doug McKay, President Michelle Laurie and Senior ABM Jim Greenwell, ABMs Dan Klassen, Don McNabb and Dan Giesbrecht promoted the union, answered questions and met with union members and their families who came to enjoy the day’s events.

Held on the site of the Electrical Industry Training Institute (EITI), the Safety Rodeo featured Power Line Technicians (PLTs) and Apprentices in live demonstrations and competitions and also included interactive displays with IBEW members working in the utility arborist, light manufacturing and traffic management sectors.

This year’s Safety Rodeo included a barbecue lunch catered by the Burnaby Firefighters and family activities that included a dunking tank and putting green for the kids.

Click here for photos.

2008 Safety Rodeo Winners

Overall BC Hydro PLT Event Winner

First Place: Zane Gauthier ,Jeremy O’Laney, Rob Jack (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Second Place: Tyler Thompson, Mike Lukoni, Dan Clinaz (North Shore Lineroom)

PLT Individual Event Winners

Automatic Sleeve Change-Out Event

First Place: Zane Gauthier ,Jeremy O’Laney, Rob Jack (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Second Place: Tyler Thompson, Mike Lukoni, Dan Clinaz (North Shore Lineroom)

Egg Climb Event

First Place: Scott O’Laney, Ken Mackenzie, Riho Hove (South Interior)

Second Place: Zane Gauthier ,Jeremy O’Laney, Rob Jack (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Second Place: Tyler Thompson, Mike Lukoni, Dan Clinaz (North Shore Lineroom)

Pole Top Rescue Event

First Place: Doug Swoboda, Daryn Smith. Matt Tugade (Coquitlam Lineroom)

Second Place: Zane Gauthier ,Jeremy O’Laney, Rob Jack (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Second Place: Larry Dwolinsky, Jeff Stites, Shawn Quast (Port Alberni Lineroom)

Mystery Event

First Place: Shane Holmgren, Glenn Gallagher, Mike McMinn (Surrey Lineroom)

Second Place: Zane Gauthier ,Jeremy O’Laney, Rob Jack (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Overall Apprentice PLT Event Winner

First Place: Brock MacLean (Surrey Lineroom)

Second Place: Trevor Beeson (Nanaimo Construction)

Apprentice PLT Individual Event Winners

Meter Socket Safety Check Event

First Place: Scott Gwilliam (Edmonds Lineroom)

Second Place: Brock MacLean (Surrey Lineroom)

Rope Knot and Splicing Event

First Place: Brock Maclean (Surrey Lineroom)

Second Place: TJ Fisher (Edmonds Lineroom)

Egg Climb Event

First Place: Brock MacLean (Surrey Lineroom)

Second Place: Brad Masse (Nanaimo Lineroom)

Pole Top Rescue Event

First Place: TJ Fisher (Edmonds Lineroom)

Second Place: Richard Barrie (Prince George Lineroom)

Mystery Event

First Place: Brock MacLean (Surrey Lineroom)

Second Place: Trevor Beeson (Nanaimo Construction)

Electrician Event

First Place: Brian Thompson, Jarret Bublitz (Williston Substation)

Second Place: Robert Wilmsmeirer, Donney Mathiesen (Surrey Construction)

Forklift Event

First Place: Steve Pulford (MDC)

Second Place: Jason Barham (MDC)

First Aid Event

First Place: The Heinlichers – Eric Swantje, Les Giles, Fred Bonn (EARG Safety)

Second Place: Shocking By Hydro – Jim Harrold, Jan Kehl, Randy Laidlaw (Keenleyside Dam)

Class 5 Driving Event

First Place: Michelle Stadnyk (Surrey Garage)

Second Place: Gerald Goodwin

Class 3 Driving Event

First Place: Danny Chan

Second Place: Don Kelly (Surrey Garage)

Overall Contractor PLT Event Winner

First Place: Shannon Sawchuck, Bruce Scott, Clayton McKay (Allteck)

Second Place: Mike Scott, Doug Laity, Lee Zachow (Allteck)

PLT Individual Event Winners

Automatic Sleeve Change-Out Event

First Place: Shannon Sawchuck, Bruce Scott, Clayton McKay (Allteck)

Second Place: Mike Scott, Doug Laity, Lee Zachow (Allteck)

Egg Climb Event

First Place: Mike Scott, Doug Laity, Lee Zachow (Allteck)

Second Place: Shannon Sawchuck, Bruce Scott, Clayton McKay (Allteck)

Pole Top Rescue Event

First Place: Shannon Sawchuck, Bruce Scott, Clayton McKay (Allteck)

Second Place: Mike Scott, Doug Laity, Lee Zachow (Allteck)

Mystery Event

First Place: Mike Scott, Doug Laity, Lee Zachow (Allteck)

Second Place: Shannon Sawchuck, Bruce Scott, Clayton McKay (Allteck)