The three-member team placed first overall out of 21 crews from across New England
Reading, MA — The Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) team of skilled lineworkers brought home top honors at this year’s Northeast Public Power Association (NEPPA) Lineworkers Rodeo, held on May 12 at Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, NH. The winning team included Lead Lineworker Pat Fallon, Lead Lineworker Ray Melvin, and First-Class Lineworker Rob Rubchinuk.
The RMLD team earned first place overall with a perfect score, competing against 20 other crews from across New England in a series of technical and safety-focused challenges designed to simulate real-world utility work. The 2026 NEPPA Lineworkers Rodeo Competition was the largest to date with 21 teams competing. The RMLD team was one of only two teams to receive a perfect score on the skills execution grading and placed first overall for time.
In addition to the winning team, General Line Foreman Matt Bernard, Assistant General Line Foreman Tom MacRae, and Third-Class Lineworker Apprentice Adam Thibodeau attended to assist the competing team with equipment and set ups. RMLD General Manager Jason Small was also on hand to support the RMLD team and attend the NEPPA conference sessions directly following the competition.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, training, and teamwork that RMLD crews bring to the job every day,” said Jason Small, RMLD general manager. “We’re incredibly proud to have this team represent our community and demonstrate their deep skill and commitment to safety, and excellence.”
The annual NEPPA Rodeo showcases the essential work of public power lineworkers, emphasizing safe work practices and technical precision under pressure. The rodeo features three-person teams competing in six different events. Teams face a series of timed skill challenges including hurt man rescue scenarios, a cross-arm climbing obstacle course, speed climbs, guy wire installs, and both a transformer and dead-end/insulator changeout. The winning RMLD team has trained and practiced scenarios for the competitions daily for the past month. The commitment to consistent practice and continued timing and correction were key to the competition success.
RMLD First-Class Lineworkers TJ Cassidy and Jason Jacobyall served as official judges for the transformer changeout and the speed climb events, respectively.
In addition to the competition, General Line Foreman Matt Bernard is serving on the NEPPA Safety Committee and the NEPPA Mutual Aid Committee, as part of the greater NEPPA Conference. His appointment to these committees highlights the deep expertise within the RMLD team.
For more information about the NEPPA Rodeo, visit neppa.org.
