The State Equipment Operation Safety and Training Conference held two days of training and events on July 27 and 28.
Operators from 12 Department of Highways districts, who advanced from district-wide competitions, competed in courses including: single axle dump trucks, tandem axle dump trucks, backhoes, tractors with mowers, tractors with lowboy trailers, and motor graders. Participants were also trained in communications technology, braking systems, and tire maintenance.
Department of Highways District 9, serving Rowan and surrounding counties, took home top placement during the “roadeo,” with 253 points. District 10 in Jackson received 2nd place, and District 6 in Covington took 3rd.
Johnny Bell took first place in the Single Axle Dump Truck event, and Kevin Workman took second place in the Motor Grader competition. They will join ten other first and second place winners from each category at the regional competition in West Virginia this September.
Officials say the event, which began in 2006, is an impressive showcase of front-line crews’ safety and mastery of the trade.