Loaders, Backhoes and Snowplows
Where’s the Livestock?
On Tuesday, June 11, D4 put on quite a show at the district’s annual truck roadeo. Riding broncos and bulldogging is one thing, but taking on $200,000+ machines weighing well over 20,000 pounds puts this roadeo into a category all its own. Then, how about using that full-size backhoe to get a tennis ball into a small round opening!?!?
Well, this was only my second roadeo, but it was clear D4 brought their A-game. In fact, soon-to-be-retired Foreman Dave Dana, who helps coordinate D4’s event, said that “this was the best turnout in years.”
Now, from my air-conditioned standing desk on the 2nd floor of HQ, we just don’t get enough of this in-the-field exposure. Whether it is being part of the comradery within and among the different sheds, witnessing these highly technical hard-skills in motion, or just getting a better understanding of the breadth of work that occurs here at the department, this type of event definitely puts an exclamation point on what ITD is all about. So, whether it is our frontline staff in the DMV or our district colleagues in the field, here’s to you making us look so good!
I’ve been lucky enough to build some great relationships in D4, so with a hat, boots and a beard was able to somewhat blend in with the crews…but that yellow vest of mine was just a bit too clean. After meeting the majority of the competitors/attendees, there were a couple that I sought out to give me the inside scoop into D4’s roadeo.
This year’s D4 winners are:
1st Place: Burton Stanley, Stanley Maintenance
2nd Place: Gary Smith, Hailey Maintenance
3rd Place: Brian Davidson, Rupert Maintenance
4th Place: Jason Fisher, D4 Fleet Manager
The common thread between this year’s group of winners is experience. In fact, when asked how many times each had competed and/or been in the top 4, answers varied from, “15-16 competitions” (Fisher) to “three straight years of placing” (Stanley). So, I’ve got a feeling that these roadeo veterans may be able to make some real noise at the state finals.
Also, a special thanks to the Jerome Maintenance Shed for hosting me the day prior to the roadeo. Patchin’ potholes on I-84 and scoopin’ up roadkill will not soon be forgotten. Thanks for all you folks do out there and as always, be safe!
Published 06-21-19