News Summary
The Jacksonville City Council recognized the accomplishments of JEA lineworkers at a recent meeting, highlighting their success in the 2025 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo. JEA teams clinched six awards, with Ryan Kornegy taking first place in the Overall Apprentice category. The city council praised their dedication amidst the challenges faced during hurricane recovery efforts, underscoring the bond between linemen and the Jacksonville community they serve.
Jacksonville – The Jacksonville City Council recognized the achievements of JEA lineworkers at its meeting on June 10, following their remarkable performance at the 2025 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo held in March. JEA teams secured awards in six categories during this annual competition, showcasing their skills and dedication to the community.
Among the notable laurels, Ryan Kornegy achieved first place in the Overall Apprentice category, marking his third national-level win in his career. Additionally, the JEA journeyman team, composed of David Hicken, Caleb Macabitas, and Cody Stokes, earned second place in the Overall Journeyman Team category, further solidifying JEA’s standing in the public power community.
City Council President Randy White commended the lineworkers for their rigorous training and commendable achievements that reflect the values and commitment of JEA to the community. This acknowledgment comes at a pivotal time as JEA linemen have been working extensive hours to restore power during hurricanes, a mainstay of their responsibilities.
Challenges Faced by JEA Lineworkers
Throughout the hurricane season, JEA linemen often endure grueling 16-hour shifts in response to severe storms. These dedicated professionals frequently face unique challenges, including living out of hotel rooms to circumvent travel difficulties caused by road or bridge closures during storms. Their readiness to serve the community is evident in their rigorous schedules and the camaraderie built among team members.
During Hurricane Helene, JEA faced substantial outages that affected approximately 140,000 customers. With the anticipated arrival of Hurricane Milton, concerns about further widespread failures were heightened due to saturated ground conditions. Initially, JEA was at a disadvantage regarding the availability of contract crews for storm responses but managed to increase its support by assembling an additional 59 crews to assist in restoration efforts.
Mayor Donna Deegan acknowledged the challenges in mobilizing crews due to their ongoing deployments in states impacted by prior storms. Despite these obstacles, the linemen exhibited remarkable preparedness by packing essential items for multi-day shifts, ensuring they were well-equipped for power restoration missions.
Preparations and Community Support
Experienced linemen like Virgil Harris, whose tenure at JEA spans 20 years, expressed the critical nature of readiness during hurricane season. With their extensive training, JEA lineworkers adapt to challenging conditions, recognizing that even minor mistakes can lead to significant consequences for those they serve. The community’s response during power restoration efforts fosters a strong connection between linemen and residents, characterized by mutual respect and gratitude.
It is vital to acknowledge the relentless dedication of JEA lineworkers who balance competition achievements with everyday responsibilities to the community they serve. Their commitment to safety, teamwork, and effective communication continues to play a crucial role in the resilience of Jacksonville, especially amid the trials posed by severe weather events.
In summary, the recognition by the Jacksonville City Council serves as a testament to the remarkable resilience and skill of JEA lineworkers. Their accomplishments not only exemplify excellence in their field but also reflect the vital support they provide to the community in times of need.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: JEA Lineworkers Honored
- Jacksonville.com: JEA Linemen and Storm Damage
- First Coast News: JEA Lineman Honored
- News 4 Jax: JEA Workers Incident
- Florida Politics: Lineworkers Competition
- Wikipedia: JEA
- Google Search: JEA lineworkers
- Google Scholar: JEA lineworkers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: JEA
- Google News: JEA lineworkers
