6 Utility Techs from Douglasville Join Olympian at Utility Rodeo

Michael Hart, David Heath, Michael Moore, Donald Perry, Jeff Taylor and Rudel Sticher will compete in the 2012 International Utility Locate Rodeo at the University of Georgia in Athens on Saturday.

The six utility location technicians from Douglasville are the folks you see outside after a homeowner or contractor has called Georgia 811, the state’s free call-before-you-dig-service, marking dangerous electric and utility lines with paint and flags. Their skills will be tested this weekend at the international competition, which will feature two-time Olympian Cliff Meidl as the guest speaker.

Two-time U.S. Olympian and electrical accident survivor Cliff Meidl has partnered with Georgia 811, the state’s free call-before-you-dig service, to serve as the guest of honor at the International Utility Locate Rodeo taking place at the University of Georgia on Saturday, Aug. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

While using a jackhammer at age 20, Meidl hit three high-voltage underground electrical cables, severely injuring both of his knees. The lines were not marked. Simply calling before digging could have prevented Meidl’s life-threatening injury.

Meidl miraculously recovered from his injury and avoided amputation, and after tireless training, he went on to compete in the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Summer Olympics in kayaking. In 2000, Meidl was chosen by his peers to be the U.S. flag bearer at the opening ceremonies in Sydney. He now serves as an advocate for safe digging and delivers his safety message to professionals across the country.

The 2012 International Utility Locate Rodeo is the preeminent underground utility location competition for locate technicians from the United States and Canada. This competition tests the skills of underground utility locate technicians, professionals who locate and mark the approximate location of underground utilities with paint and flags to protect the safety of professionals and homeowners who dig near them and communities at large. By sharing his tragedy and triumph at the Locate Rodeo, Meidl hopes to inspire every homeowner and contractor to always make a free call to Georgia 811 at 811 at least 48 hours before they dig.

The event will be held at the University of Georgia Tate Student Center at 45 Baxter St., Athens, GA 30602.