Two Kingfisher Electric Department linemen are now certified as journeymen linemen after completing a four-year apprentice program through Municipal Electric Systems of Oklahoma (MESO).

Mike Ludwig, a 14-year employee with the city, and Brandon McCurdy, a three-year employee, were presented certificates at last Monday night’s city commission meeting by Mayor Steve Richards, Vice Mayor Roxanne Alexander and Tom Rider, MESO executive director.

The training program consisted of written curriculum and testing as well as specialized training events throughout each year.

The training covered over 150 areas of work, including pole climbing, electrical theory, safe work procedures, transformer connections, trouble-shooting and more.

The two linemen were required to complete study guides and a written test in each area, followed by a field skills test.

“It’s quite an achievement and an accomplishment. They put their hearts and souls into it,” City Manager Dave Slezickey said. “It’s the first time in the history of Kingfisher Electric that we’ve had three journeyman linemen.”

Electric Supt. Mark Gambill, the department’s third journeyman lineman, also was present for the certificate presentation.

“Congratulations to your city and congratulations to your linemen for a job well done,” Rider said.