Chatham Wins Big At National 'Roadeo' Competition

CHATHAM, NJ — Members of the Chatham Borough Department of Public Works (DPW) competed against other municipal public works employees in a national "roadeo" competition in which bulldozers were used instead of bulls.

Last week, two Chatham Borough DPW members, general Foreman Leo Pietrantuono and Serviceman Cristian Campos, earned recognition for their abilities when they competed in the annual American Public Works Association (APWA) Equipment Roadeo at Gloucester Township Community Park.

Individuals' driving abilities were tested while navigating an obstacle course.

Each competition included a backhoe, skid steer, and mini excavator skill tests. Participants took one or more of the five equipment skills tests, which included a backhoe, mini excavator, skid steer, zero-turn mower and backpack blower.

"These two men are skilled equipment operators, and we are very proud of the work they do for the borough along with their colleagues in DPW," Steve Williams, the borough administrator, said.

Pietrantuono took first place on the mini excavator, and Campos came in second. Campos finished second in the backhoe competition, and Pietrantuono finished third.

Officials said that in these skill tests, operators were only allowed to use the equipment to move six tennis balls from traffic cones to a trash can.

"We are extremely proud of both Leo and Cristian and their win for Chatham Borough and our DPW," Williams said.

The Chatham Borough DPW is in charge of a variety of services around the borough, including leaf collection, maintaining trees in public spaces, managing roads, and other important services.