Hurricane Helene Aid: Dairyland & Co-op Crews Making a Difference

Dairyland Fleet Mechanic Jonah Riebar has been integral to Hurricane Helene power restoration support efforts in South Carolina. (Photo: Riebar and another member of the Wisconsin contingent in the early morning light on Oct. 11 in South Carolina.)

Assistance in Aiken (S.C.) Electric Cooperative's service territory has progressed safely as cooperative crews helped repair over 1,000 broken poles and restore power. Riebar joined over 40 lineworkers from Wisconsin who caravanned south to provide essential line and field services. He brought a Dairyland fleet services truck and ensured that equipment was mechanically sound throughout the restoration effort.

Dairyland Manager, Technical Training Ryan Kenealy and JT&S Lead Program Manager John Bestul organized the deployment with WECA.

Dairyland has also donated to support a shipment of humanitarian items that left Oct. 10 for South Carolina. The shipment, which was coordinated by WECA and RESCO, included 45 generators, 14 pallets of water, 2 pallets of diapers, 40 gas cans and large pieces of tarp.

"Mutual assistance is at the core of cooperative purpose; it is our duty and moral obligation to answer the call," said Kenealy. "Our support has brought relief and a sense of peace to the thousands of people trying to piece their lives back together.'"