Below is a press release from the Mississippi Department of Transportation:
The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) held its annual Equipment Operators Roadeo for District 6 at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center in Hattiesburg on Thursday, March 9.
“The Equipment Operators Roadeo presents an opportunity for MDOT workers to sharpen their skills and be recognized for a job well done,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “A trained, dedicated workforce is invaluable asset, and MDOT is fortunate to have talented and loyal employees. The skills of these workers have improved thanks to Roadeo events, so we want to continue to invest in their development, which helps keep the traveling public safe.”
Focusing on efficiency and skill, MDOT’s roadeos provide employees with an opportunity to display their mastery of vehicle handling, trailer maneuvering and heavy equipment precision. The event and judging criteria provide feedback and help operators evaluate their strengths and challenges. Operators improve techniques and learn new skills while engaging in some friendly competition.
District 6 events and winners are as follows:
- Lowboy: First Place – Henry “Buster” Walker; Second Place – Vincent Necaise; Third Place – Huglon “Hue” McLaurin.
- Single-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Vincent Necaise; Second Place – Michael “Mike” Jones; Third Place – Robert Hoodless.
- Tandem-Axle Dump Truck: First Place – Larry “LA” Ridge; Second Place – Jacob Clinton; Third Place – Octavious “O” Cooley.
- Backhoe: First Place – Kyle Woods; Second Place – Michael “Mike” Jones; Third Place – Joel Clinton.
- Motor Grader: First Place – Kyle Woods; Second Place – Tracy Woods; Third Place – Casey Necaise.
- Bushhog: First Place – Vincent Necaise; Second Place – Kyle Woods; Third Place – Charles Ladner.
Winners are left to right in each photo. Also pictured in each photo are Cape Jones, District 6 Maintenance Engineer (far left) and Kelly Castleberry, District 6 Engineer (far right).
The top two winners from each event advance to the state finals. At the state competition, winners from all six districts will compete and a state champion will be crowned.
