Electric cooperatives serving northwest and northcentral North Dakota were among those recognized for outstanding safety performance during the North Dakota Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives’ annual Apprenticeship, Training and Safety Conference held Jan. 15 in Mandan.

McLean Electric Cooperative of Garrison, Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative of Williston and Northern Plains Electric Cooperative of Carrington and Cando were among those earning the Safety Performance Award, which is presented to cooperatives that complete a full year with zero recordable injuries.

Burke-Divide Electric Cooperative, Columbus, earned the Safety Excellence Award. To achieve this award, a cooperative must not have had a lost-time accident for five consecutive years.

“Many years ago, the cooperative set a safety goal, because we want our people to go home safely every day. That is our No. 1 commitment to our employees,” said Jerry King, general manager of Burke-Divide. “This achievement reflects the team’s commitment to working safely every day.”

Six cooperatives earned the Certificate of Safety Achievement for successful participation in the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, a national safety program among electric cooperatives. They included Mountrail-Wlliams and North Central Electric of Bottineau.

“A strong safety culture in any organization adds to the value of its overall purpose and mission,” said Josh Kramer, NDAREC executive vice president and general manager. “Cutting corners or unsafe safety practices can mean life or death when it comes to electricity and working on high-voltage equipment.”

Completing journeyman lineworker apprenticeships in 2025 were Duncan Marquart, Burke-Divide; Teight Madler, McKenzie Electric Cooperative, Watford City; Brian Bonnet, Benson Huber and Dawson Hall, all Mountrail-Williams; and Grant Meyer, Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Velva and Minot.

Marquart was recognized with this year’s Outstanding Apprentice Award. Marquart earned high marks for his job performance and academic achievement in the 576 hours of required coursework. His integrity, reliability and positive attitude earned the respect of his co-workers, said Eric Sieg, operations manager for Burke-Divide.

“Duncan exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding lineworker: technical competence, safety awareness and teamwork. He consistently upholds high standards, whether working under challenging conditions, responding to outages or contributing to complex installations,” Sieg said.

Kyle Helmers with Burke-Divide and Daniel Alberts completed journeyman meter technician apprenticeships with Mountrail-Williams in 2025.

Brandon Blomberg, Todd Bustad, Lukas Dahl and Shawn Erickson completed journeyman relay technician apprenticeships in 2025 with Mountrail-Williams. The relay technician program trains apprentices to install, maintain and test protective relay systems used in electric power grids. These relays are essential for detecting faults and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems, helping protect people and equipment.