Sacramento – A warm Friday October morning found over 200 proud IBEW GC Line members at Sacramento Airport waiting to board 3 charter planes to Augusta, Georgia. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastation to the power grid, Georgia Power requested mutual aid from PG&E.
15 GC Clerical members had left for Augusta the prior day to mitigate logistical issues that are typical for any large-scale mutual aid operations.
What stood out in conversations with our members was the tremendous sense of pride and professionalism in helping those decimated by Helene. Many of the members had been part of previous mutual aid trips to Hurricane Sandy or Irma, and understand the challenges that await them.
Santa Rosa lineman Steve Krahn has been with PG&E for 3 years, hiring on as a journeyman from contractors. When asked about why he volunteered, “I’ve been on mutual aid many times as a contractor, and the ability to help those in need brings me a great deal of pleasure.”
Hayward GC Subforeman Steve Partee spoke to the burden this type of assignment can represent for a family. “Having 3 kids, my wife had to be on board. She and my kids are proud that I’m able to help those 2,500 miles away who are in need.”
The plan is for the crews to be in Georgia for 2 weeks. Working in the humidity is no easy task and will be a challenge physically. Seeing what the residents are trying to cope with can be mentally difficult.
We wish them the best and know they will make IBEW 1245 proud.
- Senior Assistant Business Manager Bob Gerstle
