After nearly two weeks, over 200 proud IBEW GC line members and 15 GC clerical members returned home, having answered the call to provide sorely needed “mutual aid” in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton which devastated large swaths of Georgia and Florida. The powerful hurricanes caused extensive damage, flooding homes, ripping up trees and power lines and knocking out electricity for thousands. More than 200 people died across the southeast and more than 3.3 million had their power knocked out in Florida alone.
Our members at PG&E were part of a nationwide, mutual aid effort. First stop: Georgia, where conditions were humid, and our members were set up in a basecamp from which they were dispatched. Second stop: Florida where PG&E utilized hotels to house our members. In both cases, our members worked around the clock to restore power to thousands of families.
Victims of the storms in Florida were grateful to our members. IBEW 1245 member Bobby Rael (Subforeman A GC Los Padres) shared a story emblematic of the warm reception our members received. “A Florida storm victim bought our dinner at a restaurant. The victim was in a nearby booth with his family when he noticed our crew. He insisted on paying for our dinner as a thank you,” said Rael. IBEW 1245 member Cisco Schaaf (GC Lineman Hayward) who acted in a Subforeman A role, shared, “People put themselves second to our crews. People with nothing offered us food and water.”
All in all, our crews worked over 15,000 hours during their stay. When asked if our crews made a difference, IBEW 1245 member Jacob Crim, (Utility Worker GC Stockton) said, “Absolutely. We were able to restore power to a great many customers.” Rael, Schaaf, and Crim emphasized three points. First, our members went to work, and to work hard to help folks hit by the hurricane. Second, to a person, they wished they could have done more. Third, all three of these members said they would go again without hesitation. None of them complained about the conditions on the ground; rather they were humbled by the misfortunes of the victims and were glad they were able to make a difference.
On behalf of IBEW 1245 Business Manager Bob Dean and IBEW 1245, I would like to express how extremely proud we are to represent such a professional workforce. Thank you to all who answered the call. Thank you to all who were not able to go and who stayed back to take care of our hometowns. Whether at home responding to emergencies or abroad or just handling this dangerous commodity on your regular average workday, the work you perform comes with a great deal of responsibility and dedication. It also requires support from your loved ones who watch you do what you do. They deserve a thank you as well.
Please continue to take care of one another and stay safe.
-Roberto Balistreri, Assistant Business Manager
