Ameren Illinois line workers qualify for 2026 International Lineman’s Rodeo
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (KBSI) — Line workers with Ameren Illinois earned spots in the 2026 International Lineman’s Rodeo after qualifying during a recent competition at the company’s Decatur Training Center.
Ameren Illinois said five journeyman teams and four apprentices advanced to the international competition, scheduled for October in Bonner Springs, Kansas.
The International Lineman’s Rodeo brings together line workers from around the world to compete in events focused on safety, technical skill and efficiency. Competitions include pole climbs, rescue challenges and mystery events designed to mirror real-world field conditions.
“These journeyman and apprentice line workers earned their spot through hard work, training, and a relentless focus on safety,” Jason Klein, vice president of electric operations for Ameren Illinois, said in a statement.
The qualifying journeyman teams included workers from Beardstown, Tuscola, Danville, Decatur, Marion, Effingham, Mattoon, Galesburg, Peoria and Belleville operating centers.
The four apprentices selected to represent Ameren Illinois are Jared Lockmiller of Belleville, Caleb Brune of Centralia, Thomas Gettings of Decatur and Bret Beckmann of Belleville.
Ameren Illinois provides electric and natural gas service to communities throughout central and southern Illinois.
