Greenwell Springs, LA – Earlier today, DEMCO crews were dispatched to support Talquin Electric Cooperative in Florida as Hurricane Helene approaches. This proactive effort is part of a nationwide mutual aid agreement among electric cooperatives, ensuring that crews and equipment are available during emergencies. For cooperatives in Louisiana, these requests are facilitated by the Association of Louisiana Electric Cooperatives.
DEMCO crews will work alongside Talquin's team to restore power after the storm. "Our thoughts are with everyone in the storm's path, and we are ready to assist with the recovery effort," said Randy Pierce, DEMCO Chief Executive Officer and General Manager.
Louis Lee, Galvez District Manager, will lead DEMCO crews in this restoration effort. Crew members from each of DEMCO’s seven-parish service area responded to the call for mutual aid: Josh Prestridge, Ryan Reed, Kip Guidry, Ashton Stokes, and Jamie Berry from the Central District; Jeremy Jett and Edward DeLee from the St. Francisville District; Justin Andrews, Brock Andrus, Philip Harris, and Danny Delatte of the Galvez District; Bodhi Wright, Dustin Crouch, Scott Miller, Kaleb Lee, and Ben Kyzar of the Greensburg District; Tommy Hodges, Daniel Watts, and Andrew Arnold from the Livingston District; and Brian Merritt and Traymond Benton of the Zachary District. In addition to our dedicated crews, DEMCO is also deploying essential equipment, including a ½ ton pickup, a utility trailer, digger derricks, two pole trailers, four 48-foot bucket trucks, two 55-foot bucket trucks, two pull trucks, two skid steers, two equipment trailers, and a mechanic truck and trailer.
Earlier this month, DEMCO was the recipient of mutual aid due to Hurricane Francine, with Talquin Electric’s crews among the hundreds who responded.
“It’s what we do, it’s the cooperative way,” said Anne Hawes, DEMCO Member and Public Relations Manager. “With more than 900 electric cooperatives nationwide and the assistance of our statewide association, we can easily make a request or respond to a request for additional crews and equipment whenever needed.”
Pictured L to R: Ben Kyzar, Daniel Watts, Thomas Hodges, Jeremy Jett, Louis Lee, Edward DeLee, Bodhi Wright, Kaleb Lee, Scott Miller, Dustin Crouch, Philip Harris, Danny Delatte, Brock Andrus, Justin Andrews, Traymond Benton, Kip Guidry, Brian Merritt, Anthony Arnold, Ashton Stokes, Ryan Reed, and Josh Prestridge. Jamie Berry, not pictured.
