Line Crews Experience Spirit of Hope During Hurricane Katrina Restoration Efforts

This time of year is usually a time to reflect and give thanks. At Jackson EMC, we are especially grateful for the cooperative spirit, and our ability to help our neighbors in need - whether next-door or states away. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck, leaving thousands without power, cooperative teamwork went into action.

Answering the Call

In less than four days, 25 Jackson EMC linemen helped restore power to thousands of 4-County Electric Power Association members in Mississippi. When they first arrived, line crews prepared for long hours, and hundreds of broken poles, but it's what wasn't broken that kept them going.

"This storm's devastation was one of the worst I've seen in my 25 years with the cooperative," said Terry Fulcher, Jackson EMC line foreman. "Even though many lost everything they owned, their hope and positive attitude about rebuilding made us feel better. There are many broken poles and trees, but very few broken spirits."

Jackson EMC's first 14-truck convoy left for Mississippi just before Labor Day weekend. "When you're on a line crew, you're prepared to leave your own homes and families in the midst of the storm. It's times like these that the job is most rewarding because we know we're doing a good deed. Even though we were miles away from home, the cooperatives and citizens made us feel welcome," recalled Jeff Chandler, Jackson EMC journeyman lineman.

Jackson EMC Lineman Apprentice Joey Poss remarked, "Even though storm restoration efforts often require 14-hour workdays, the well wishes and signs of thanks showed us the community's determination to recover, and that made the workday go by a little faster."

4-County Electric initially had 30,000 members without power after the storm, and all were back on by the time Jackson EMC line crews left for Coast Electric Power Association in southeastern Mississippi, about 30 miles from the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Katrina caused extensive losses to Coast Electric's power distribution system, damaging approximately 30,000 poles and 10,000 transformers. Jackson EMC crews worked alongside more than 2,900 crewmembers and support staff from 19 states to assist with the restoration.