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TUPELO, MISS. – The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) on May 31 held the 2019 State Equipment Operators Roadeo in Biloxi.
Each spring, MDOT hosts the Equipment Operators Roadeo in each of its six districts. The top operators from the district roadeos compete in the state event.
Focusing on safety, efficiency and skill, MDOT’s Roadeos provide employees with an opportunity to practice their mastery of vehicle handling, trailer maneuvering and heavy equipment precision. The event and judging criteria provide feedback and let operators evaluate their strengths and challenges. Operators improve techniques and learn new skills while engaging in some friendly competition.
“Employee training is one way MDOT ensures that crews in the field are operating as safely as possible,” said Commissioner Mike Tagert, Northern Transportation District. “The Roadeos allow MDOT’s skilled maintenance workforce to demonstrate and practice knowledge, skills and abilities gained from experience working on Mississippi’s highways.”
State Roadeo winners are as follows:
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: Roger Brown, of Amory, first; Matthew Thorne, of Newton, second; and John Hodge, of Lake, third.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: Derrick Stamps, of Cary, first; David Baty, of Hattiesburg, second; and Steve Allen, of Booneville, third.
- Lowboy: Billy Coward, of Conehatta, first; William Fulgham, of Smithdale, second; and Mike Mink, of Blue Mountain, third.
- Motor Grader: Jeremy Hankins, of Crowder, first; Simpson Wofford, of Mantee, second; and Jake Burge, of Taylorville, third.
- Bushhog: Nathan Perkins, of Conehatta, first; Wayne Perkins, of Conehatta, second; and Vincent Necaise, of Kiln, third.
- Backhoe: Fdaran Thompson, of Tylertown, first; Thomas Goode, of Batesville, second; and Craig Kelly, of Decatur, third.
- State Roadeo Team Champion – MDOT’s District 5 Team from Newton
The winner of each event has the opportunity to compete in the southeast regional roadeo which will be held in September in Biloxi.
To learn more about how you can stay safe on Mississippi’s highways, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.
