The 2026 Damage Prevention Locate Rodeo, held at the SLEMCO facility in Broussard, Louisiana, delivered an outstanding day of fun, competition, and collaboration. Hosted by SLEMCO Power Company, the event brought together locators, volunteers, and SLEMCO leadership for a hands-on experience that showcased technical skill, speed, teamwork, and a shared commitment to damage prevention. The atmosphere was energetic and welcoming, with Terry Braquet keeping participants well fed and energized throughout the day. Top honors were awarded across multiple categories, including Gas – Colton Triplett (Atmos Energy), Power – John Nye (Entergy), Telecom – John Chevert (USIC), and the crowd-favorite “Locate from Hell” won by Murphy Leblanc (Benchmark). John Chevert (USIC) earned 2nd Place Overall, while Colton Triplett (Atmos Energy) captured the Grand Prize Overall.
The rodeo was made possible through the generous support of dedicated sponsors, including Platinum Sponsors ACTS, Benchmark, Ditch Witch of South Louisiana, C.H. Fenstermaker & Associates, Louisiana 811, and Utility Solutions Supply/Vivax-Metrotech, along with Gold Sponsor Entergy. Sonnier Traffic Control and Security LLC proudly served as the lunch sponsor for the event. A special thank you to Molly Smith, Daniel Brooks, and the entire volunteer group whose time, effort, and dedication are what truly make this event successful year after year. With a strong turnout, new relationships formed, and a few well-earned surprises for competition winners, the event reinforced how collaboration across the industry continues to strengthen safety culture and advance damage prevention efforts statewide.