OUC’s line technicians are in Tallahassee today and tomorrow for the Florida Municipal Power Association’s 25th Annual Florida Lineman Competition at Apalachee Regional Park. The event brings together more than 200 of Florida’s top utility lineworkers to showcase their technical skills, safety practices, and teamwork through real‑world, timed challenges.

Line work is an inherently dangerous profession, which is why safety, precision, and communication are at the core of everything our crews do. In preparation for the competition, OUC line techs spent the past two weeks training at the Pershing Operations Center yard, focused on safe climbing techniques, and flawless coordination between technicians on the pole and on the ground.

“Even though we’re competing, our line techs also get the chance to learn from each   other,” said James Alexander, senior technical trainer (electric). “That shared experience strengthens our skills for mutual aid situations, when restoring power safely and quickly is critical for our customers after storms or hurricanes.”

In the lead-up to the competition, Alexander walked FOX35’s Marley Capper through what it takes to prepare for one of the industry’s most challenging events. During a live segment, Marley strapped on climbing gear and scaled a utility pole, offering viewers a rare, firsthand  look at the physical and mental strength required of line technicians.

OUC’s teams are led by Richard Boley, Lead Line Technician. The journeyman team consists of Nelson Rodriguez, Supervisor, Distribution Control Center; Evan Englert, Associate Distribution Operator; William Englert, Line Technician II; Matt Coakley, Line Technician I; Holton Stough, Line Technician I; Zach Colgan, Line Technician II; Shane Yarborough, Line Technician I; Bryan Walsh, Senior Technical Trainer; and Mike Atout, Lead Line Technician. The apprentice team includes James Carpenter, Line Technician III; Garrett Accomando, Line Technician II; Aidan Flick, Line Technician III; Hunter Smith, Line Technician II; Elijah Venn, Line Technician II; Dylan Tyler, Line Technician III; Mason Wood, Line Technician III; Clay Alexander, Line Technician III; and Cooper Jeffers, Line Technician III.

The teams will compete in the following events:

Journeyman Team Events

  • Hurt‑Man Rescue
  • Crossarm Change‑Out
  • 12kV Single Phase Transfer
  • Triple Threat
  • Mystery Event

Apprentice Events

  • Safe Work Practice Exam
  • Hurt‑Man Rescue (Apprentice Division)
  • Jack Jumper Event
  • Cross Arm Relocation
  • 72 Inch Guy String Link Changeout