October 21, 2024—Eight linemen from Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) returned home late Friday evening after completing a crucial three-week mission to restore power after multiple hurricanes. KPUB joined thousands of lineworkers from across the country who traveled to assist with restoring power following back-to-back hurricanes that impacted several southern states.
KPUB initially dispatched crews to Moultrie, Georgia, on September 25 to help restore power ahead of Hurricane Helene. After several days of work in Moultrie, the team was redirected to the City of Fitzgerald, where they continued their efforts until October 4. With their work in Georgia complete, the crew began their journey back home to Texas. However, while en route, they received a request for assistance in Florida, where Hurricane Milton was expected to cause significant damage. Just 30 miles from the Texas border, the crew stopped, discussed the situation, and decided to turn around to help in Florida.
KPUB was assigned to assist a city in Lakeland, Florida, a community to which they had previously helped restore power after Hurricane Irma in 2017. This time, their challenging conditions, particularly the high water levels, made their restoration efforts even more difficult than past trips.
“We do this type of mutual aid work for other communities because it’s incredibly rewarding,” said Toby Geurin, KPUB crew leader and lineman. “The people are so grateful to have their power restored. They honked their horns, stopped to thank us personally, and even brought us food, snacks, and water to the job sites.”
KPUB General Manager & CEO Mike Wittler praised the eight linemen who volunteered to respond to multiple mutual aid requests and those who stayed behind to take on additional responsibilities.
“These hardworking linemen sacrificed time with their families to help those in need across multiple states,” Wittler said. “We thank them for their dedication to keeping the lights on—whether at home in Texas or in Georgia and Florida.”
“I’d also like to recognize the line workers who stayed behind to ensure our KPUB customers were still well taken care of, taking on extra duties and on-call shifts to support their teammates,” Wittler added.
KPUB has extended mutual aid to other communities on 13 separate occasions following natural disasters and major events.
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Pictured are the KPUB linemen who restored power in Georgia and Florida during restoration efforts in Fitzgerald, GA. Left to right: Trey Owen, Josh Whitworth (crew leader), Eric Hancock, Nathaniel Crabtree, Jose Valdez, Justin Martinez, Toby Geurin (crew leader) & Joseph Buenrostro.
KPUB lineman Eric Hancock restoring power on September 29 in Moultrie, Georgia, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s damages.