Three Crane Operators Boast Record Scores at Southeast Skills Competition
Three crane operators with exceptionally steady hands were named as finalists in the CIC Crane Operator & Rigger Skills Competition, sponsored by Crane Industry Services LLC, in conjunction with M&P Specialty Insurance and Superior Cranes, in Rockingham, N.C. The event was held on Jan. 17 at the headquarters of Superior Cranes.
“Without a doubt, this is the best group of operators I’ve seen compete. Any one of the winners from this competition could earn the title of 2015 Champion,” said Cliff Dickinson, President of Crane Industry Services, who has served as judge at this and two previous Championship competitions. Assisting with the judging was Terry Norris, Crane & Rigging Specialist for Crane Industry Services and Barney Shorter of Crane Training Group.
Boasting as much as 40 years of operating experience, 35 crane operators competed on three Link-Belt cranes supplied by Superior with about 150 spectators cheering them on. The first place winner was Fred King of Superior Cranes. Tying for second place was Big John Clodfelter, also of Superior Cranes, and Paul Aldridge of AME Inc. All three operators posted zero deductions and Clodfelter and Aldridge finished in exactly the same time.
“All of the crane operators who competed are role models for the industry. Professional in their demeanor, they were also highly skilled and safe,” said Norris. “Not a single barrel was knocked over during the competition,” he said.
“Working with M&P Specialty Insurance and Superior Crane to host this event was real pleasure,” said Debbie Dickinson, CEO of Crane Industry Services. “My favorite moment of the day was when Joe Everett, President of Superior Cranes, gathered the event sponsors to discuss their dilemma.” The competition norm is for sponsors to send the top two operators to advance to the Championship. All the sponsors agreed that since the scores were exactly tied they were willing to cover the added travel costs, to send all three operators to the Championship. Debbie Dickinson continued: “When the announcement was made, the crowd cheered and lined up to shake the hands and slap the backs of the three winning operators.”
Crane Industry Services LLC, based in the Atlanta, Ga. area, was established in 2008 to provide training, certification, equipment inspections, expert witness services and consulting to the lifting industry. Crane Industry Services is centered on safety and known for creating innovative and affordable solutions for the crane and rigging industry. www.craneindustryservices.com
