By Cassie McClure
Published in the Las Cruces Bulletin on 10.01.2021
It was a chance for employees to let their hair down, and show off their moves, at the First Annual Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Skills Rodeo on September 24. The moves would include how well they could navigate a skid steer, back up trailers, maneuver a backhoe, and finesse a forklift.
“Everyone has worked so hard during the pandemic, so we wanted to have a chance for everyone to come together on a Friday, eat some great tacos and have a little friendly competition,” said LCU Director Delilah Walsh. “It’s a way to say thank you – and give them bragging rights when they show off their skills.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this,” said Chairman of the LCU Board of William Little, who was also a judge for the Trucks & Trailers event. Commissioner Dr. Harry Hardee and his wife Loye Hardee were also in attendance.
The winners were:
- Forklift: Juan Carrillo, Gas Temporary Associate
- Skid Steer: Jose Quintela, Water Distribution Crew Leader
- Trucks & Trailers:
- Women: Sheridan Ross, Office Manager
- Men (non-CDL): Ignacio “Nacho” Mondragon, Senior Heavy Equipment Operator
- Men (CDL): Ignacio “Nacho” Mondragon, Senior Heavy Equipment Operator
- Backhoe: Martin Rodriguez, Heavy Equipment Operator
LCU 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 526-0500.
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PHOTO 3: LCU Heavy Equipment Operator Robert Meraz (not pictured but operating the backhoe) shows that you can dig hundreds of pounds of dirt and still need to be gentle enough to lift an egg.