Published in Las Cruces Bulletin 11.4.22
By Cassie McClure
In the Second Annual Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Skills Rodeo on Friday, September 21, employees had a chance to mingle, eat tacos from the Luchador Food truck and drink lemonade from Francy Emilade, win door prizes, and get known as the best at what they do – if they could prove it.
Employees needed skills get in and out of personal protective equipment (PPE) quickly, change out meters for time, back up a trailer for time, play a little basketball with a skid steer and know the ins-and-outs of a forklift.
Then, as teams for employees of the Water, Natural Gas and Energy, Wastewater, Solid Waste and Business Services lines of business within LCU, it was a game of brawn with a fast and furious matchup for Tug-of-War.
The winners were:
PPE Challenge: Office Manager Sheridan Ross.
Meter Change Out: Gas Meter: Gas Services Technician Jesse Vargas Non Gas Mater: Waster Distribution Crew Leader Dylan Simpson.
Skid Steer: Heavy Equipment Operator Carlos Gonzales.
Trucks & Trailers: Women: Senior Office Assistant Jamie Frietze Men (non-CDL): Temporary Employee Julian Gonzalez Men (CDL): Wastewater Maintenance Mechanic Eric Garza.
Backhoe: Heavy Equipment Operator Carlos Gonzales.
Tug-of-War: Water Line of Business.
LCU – Your Utility Connection. Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides clean, safe, and reliable services to Las Cruces residents and businesses. Learn more at: las-cruces.org/180/Utilities
For emergencies, call Dispatch at 575-526-0500.
CAPTION:
PHOTO 1: LCU Water Distribution Crew Leader Donnail Bailey showing off his backhoe skills.