Meeker Coop Sends Line Workers to Assist with Hurricane Recovery
Four line workers from Meeker Cooperative traveled to the Southeastern United States in October on a mutual aid mission to assist with hurricane recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The team, in collaboration with Stearns Electric, deployed to South Carolina, and then extended their mission to Florida.
The team worked tirelessly to restore power and bring a sense of normalcy back to the region in communities that were severely impacted by both storms. Meeker Cooperative CEO/General Manager Luke Johnson and Electric Operations Manager Dan Schrupp led the decision to deploy the team, emphasizing the Cooperative’s commitment to Cooperative Principle #6 which is “Cooperation Among Cooperatives.”
Schrupp says they have a strong tradition of helping communities in need. He says when a storm hits elsewhere, they support recovery efforts, knowing that others would assist us in our time of need.
The Meeker team – Underground Foreman John Grabow, Overhead Foreman Logan Josephson, Journey Line Worker Brandon Skalberg, and Journey Line Worker Nate Glimsdal – left on October 2nd to assist Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative in Pickens, South Carolina – one of the hardest hit areas. They worked on replacing broken poles and reinstalling conductor lines.
Upon completion of their work in South Carolina, the team prepared to head home, but as Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida, Meeker Cooperative’s line workers shifted plans and headed directly to Peace River Electric Cooperative in Wauchula, Florida, arriving just as the storm approached and rode it out, positioning themselves to respond immediately once conditions allowed. They replaced poles and reconnected downed conductors amid fallen trees and debris.
The team returned to Minnesota on October 15th. Team members said they received a warm reception from local residents who expressed gratitude for their swift action. John Grabow says helping a community recover, especially under such challenging conditions, is deeply meaningful for all of them. Meeker Cooperative is proud to have assisted in this mutual aid effort and will be ready to support recovery efforts whenever communities need it most in the future.
