By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

On Tuesday, May 7, during the 16th Annual Northeast Public Power Association Lineworkers’ Rodeo, power crews competed against the clock in skill competitions – climbing poles, repairing transformers, and rigging lines on a challenge course built on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property.

In early December, the HRA unanimously approved the Hull Municipal Light Plant’s proposal to host the NEPPA event to train lineworkers, offer safety classes, and lobby for municipal light plants.

In a statement on the NEPPA website, Hull Light Operations Manager Panos Tokadjian said the town’s light plant is “honored and humbled to be chosen to host the 2024 NEPPA Rodeo…Hull is, and will always be, a strong supporter of NEPPA, and an active participant in its programs and events. Being a host of such an important event for public power in New England will shine a light on small light plants like us, and the quality of people who dedicate themselves to making sure we succeed in everything we do.”

The indoor portion of the event, which included educational sessions, networking, and exhibits, was held nearby at the Nantasket Beach Resort.

Poles were installed on the HRA land for climbing, hurt-man rescue, insulator replacement, and transformer change-out competitions that were all open for viewing by the public.

A highlight of the opening of the rodeo competition was Brandon Wylie, program executive of Northwest Lineman College, singing the national anthem as the competitors and audience, including coworkers and family, faced the large American flag hung between two utility trucks.

A local spectator from Cohasset said he heard about the event and came with his wife to support the participants because he worked for Eversource for 45 years.

NEPPA is the regional trade association representing the interests of 78 community-owned electric utilities that provide electricity to approximately two million people across New England.

“The event showcases the technical skills of the lineworkers while also reinforcing how NEPPA is all about safety,” said NEPPA Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events Wendy Esche. “It is an opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation for the guys keeping the lights on for everyone in the New England states.” 

The NEPPA Rodeo and Conference began on May 6 with a golf tournament at Widows Walk in Scituate. Golfers played nine holes and net proceeds will be donated to NEPPA’s Benevolent Fund for public power employees or their families undergoing financial difficulties due to personal injury, illness, or death.

Colleen Hyland, wife of NEPPA Executive Director Mike Hyland, who was volunteering at the table selling goods to raise money for the benevolent fund, said the program provides the resources to assist the New England public power community when faced with unexpected tragedies.

Hull Light Administrative Assistant Anne Finley said when the association was looking for a new location to host the 2024 rodeo, HMLP staff thought the land adjacent to the light plant would offer a unique and memorable location for the event.

“I have been with NEPPA for five years, and this is the best rodeo I have seen yet – great location, couldn’t ask for better weather, and from the start, the community of Hull has welcomed and embraced us to make the event happen,” said Esche.

Many of the lineworkers expressed excitement to be by the ocean and have such a beautiful day for the competitions; however, the essence of the event was captured by the feeling of camaraderie, team spirit, and connection.

“I like the camaraderie and community of public power,” said Anthony Calascibetta, NEPPA director of safety and training and a former lineman. “We provide value and truly care for the citizens of the communities we serve.”

“The vendors provide another element of interest and connection at the event…they are here to support us,” said Barry Tupper, chair of the NEPPA Rodeo.

“This day and location are one of the best in my experience,” said Dave Ketchen, assistant general manager of Littleton Electric and Water Department. “Blue sky, sunny, ocean on either side…it is incredible.”

Ketchen said his Littleton crew for the competition, including Joe Fiorello, Derek Cokonis, and Ryan Dame, is a “relatively young team, but they are very skilled at what they do.”

After coming down from the pole, Cokonis said it felt good, but he was a little nervous. “I love climbing and the view really stands out here,” he said.

Dame, who pursued becoming a lineman at the suggestion of friends who thought he would like it, said, “I joined three years ago, enjoy the experience, and I am never going back.”

“We practice yearly for the everyday work we get ourselves into, working in rain, sleet, snow, wind, sun, and any other kind of weather,” said Dionisio Gerena, coach of the Chicopee Electric team.

Graham Gates, Jack Austin, and Brian Pellerin of Princeton Municipal Light were joined by their proud significant others who cheered them on during the competitions and celebrated their achievements. Crysta Gates, Valerie Austin, and Suzanne Pierce all agreed that watching what the line workers do on a day to day basis is exciting and emphasizes the teamwork required for the hard work.

“This is my third rodeo,” said Valerie Austin. “I didn’t know what a lineman was before I met Jack. When I first met him and he told me what he did, I said ‘You are a football player.’”

Robin Jowders of Hurley Wire has been in the public power industry for 38 years and has attended every NEPPA rodeo.

“I see the teamwork, partnership, and connection,” said Jowders. “It is a brotherhood and sisterhood. I have watched generations of family members go through. Those who were once climbers are now judges.”

Dave Lizotte, general line foreman at Littleton Light Department, was a judge at the rodeo.

“My grandfather was a lineman,” he said. “Building camaraderie is amazing; you need it in this industry. Everyday we trust each other with our lives.”

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