Right after high school, Garrett Accomando tried his luck at linework, enrolling in a semester-long course about the profession at Valencia College. 

More than four years later, Accomando, Line Technician III, earned several top honors at the American Public Power Association 2026 Lineworkers Rodeo in Huntsville, Alabama. 

“It all clicked,” he said. “This was my last year as an apprentice, and this was the most I’ve brought home.” 

He earned first place among 135 participants in four categories: Apprentice Overall, Apprentice Large Utility (over 100,000 customers), Apprentice Written Test and Apprentice Load Transfer. He placed second in the Apprentice Single Phase Two Wire Tie-in/Un-tie event. 

“These wins showed everything I’ve been working toward paid off and came full circle,” he said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the guys on our team.” 

Garrett Accomando secured his most wins yet at this year’s Lineman Rodeo.

Fellow apprentices Dylan Tyler, Line Technician III, and Aidan Flick, Line Technician III, earned second and third place, respectively, in the Apprentice Written Test. 

“I’ve watched these guys put in five weeks of harsh work – and it is paying off for all of us,” Accomando said. “You’re like a brother to him, and all of you receiving national recognition feels amazing.” 

Some of Accomando’s best friends are on the lineman team, he said, and the camaraderie and bonds built during training and competition are his favorite part of the process. 

“Sometimes, we’re spending more time with these guys than with our families,” he said. “Especially because we’re doing something so dangerous, I want to look out for them.” 

Accomando thanked Team OUC’s trainers, Richard Boley, Lead Line Technician, and James Alexander, Sr. Technical Trainer, for their commitment to leadership. 

“If it weren’t for them sharing their decades of experience, we wouldn’t be where we are,” he said. 

APPA’s Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is held annually, bringing together electric utility lineworkers from across the country. Participants are judged on safety, work practices, neatness, ability, equipment handling and timely event completion. Overall, 61 journeymen teams and 56 utilities from 20 states participated in this year’s rodeo.