Rob Hayes, of Imperial, placed 2^nd in the National Gas Rodeo with the Laclede Gas team on September 15. Laclede’s team, called the “Gashouse Gang,” competed against elite gas crews from across the United States. Hayes is employed by the Laclede Gas Company in the Construction and Maintenance department. The competition showcases the safe and efficient use of equipment in natural gas installations.

“Our customers can rely on the safety and skills of our Laclede Gas employees,” said The Laclede Group President and CEO Suzanne Sitherwood. “We have some of the best technicians in the country and the National Gas Rodeo proves it. We are very proud of our team members.”

Laclede chose three elite teams to enter this year’s national competition. The teams practiced for two months leading up to the competition. The 2012 event featured more than 40 teams from across the country.

The all-day event included competitions like: the Pipe Cut where competitors safely cut through a six-inch gas pipe in a matter of seconds; the Dig Box where gas journeymen dig down four feet to find a buried box and then refill the hole in a flurry of flying dust, dirt and shovels; the Gate Valve where contestants open and close a gas valve as fast as possible; and the Meter Set where contestants constructed a gas meter set from parts.