Electric membership cooperative (EMC) lineworkers from across Georgia, including journeyman teams and apprentices from Carroll EMC, showcased their expertise at the 2026 Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo, held Saturday, May 2, at FFA Camp John Hope in Perry.
Lineworkers from EMCs statewide joined municipal electric system teams for a day of friendly competition—even through steady morning rain—demonstrating the skill, safety and teamwork required in this demanding field. Rain or shine, lineworkers are on the job.
“The rodeo is a great opportunity for our crews to challenge themselves and learn from others across the state,” said Russell Williams, Operations Supervisor and Rodeo Coordinator at Carroll EMC and President of the Georgia Lineman Rodeo Association. “That kind of experience makes a real difference when it matters most.”
Now in its 31st year, the Georgia Lineman’s Rodeo has become a longstanding tradition. Competitors spend weeks preparing for the event, with Carroll EMC employees volunteering to help coach and train, while others serve as judges during the rodeo.
The family-friendly event also brought out families in support of their crews, highlighting the important role they play—especially during outages and severe weather. Beyond the competition itself, the rodeo fosters camaraderie and teamwork among electric utilities across Georgia. Those relationships prove critical when crews travel to assist one another with power restoration following major storms.
Carroll EMC’s journeyman team of Austin Davis, Dalton Owens and Bryce Williams placed fourth overall in the journeyman division.
This year’s competition featured 143 EMC apprentices competing in four events: hurt-man rescue, armor rod replacement and two mystery challenges. Additionally, 37 EMC journeyman teams competed in hurt-man rescue, PKR switch replacement and two mystery events.
The competition concluded with an awards banquet recognizing category winners and overall team champions. Finalists will advance to the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Overland Park, Kansas, in October.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
