Massachusetts line workers, tow truck drivers to provide relief from Helene

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – Now, to Helene response from folks in Western Massachusetts. From line workers to tow truck drivers and firefighters, it really takes a village to restore and local residents we spoke with said they’re up for the challenge.

“We’ve seen a lot of tree damage, some building damage, in the areas I’ve een to some total loss,” noted Randy Purinton.

Randy Purinton is one of several crews Chicopee’s Interstate Towing sent down south to lend a hand for Hurricane Helene relief efforts more than a week ago. He’s currently in Jacksonville, Florida.

“We’ve been moving a lot of generators, water pumps, portable light towers to help the electric companies be able to go out and night and see, to get the power and stuff restored,” explained Purinton.

Getting the lights back on is the hands of line workers including Ryan Callan from Westfield Gas and Electric. He told Western Mass News when he arrived for his assignment in the Spartenberg, South Carolina area, thousands were in the dark and there’s no word yet on when they will cross the finish line.

“Its doing much better now, but we’re not quite sure its not your average storm down here,” said Callan. “We have at last count over 500 broken poles just in these 7 counties.”

Meantime, crews from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency are making their way back to the commonwealth after working with local firefighters from Greenfield, Charlemont, and others, offering relief to first responders in the impacted areas and bringing back new experience to apply to a potential emergency in the bay state

“If a big hurricane hits Massachusetts again the next tropical storm Irene we’re better prepared to help the state and our local communities respond,” expressed Tracy Rogers.

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