HCWA - Henry County Water Authority
10/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/16/2024 21:08
HCWA assists with multiple hurricane relief initiatives
HCWA assists with multiple hurricane relief initiatives
Seeing a need and filling a need, employees of the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) joined community partners to facilitate several initiatives to assist those throughout the region suffering from the effects of Hurricane Helene or recently displaced due to Hurricane Milton.
From dispatching crews throughout the county to assisting with clearing roadways, to spearheading a food drive for citizens in South Georgia, to serving lunch for evacuees camped out at Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS), Authority employees jumped into action to help those impacted by the devastation of these unprecedented natural disasters.
HCWA emergency response and disaster relief assistance began with Authority crews working with Henry County EMA officials to assist with calls from citizens reporting issues throughout the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene, such as downed trees blocking roadways, severe flooding, power outages, and more.
In addition, the Authority's Todd Brackin, HCWA Conservation Enforcement Coordinator, who also serves as a Specialist with the 1st Engineering Battalion of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), delivered bottled water provided by the Authority for those in immediate need in South Georgia. Brackin was initially deployed to Valdosta to help with the storm cleanup, followed by a second deployment to Metter, where he was able to deliver the much-needed water upon the request of the Candler County EMA.
The following week, the HCWA joined forces with other community partners to collect additional bottled water, food, non-perishable items, health and personal items for citizens in Berrien County, Georgia.
This community food drive was spearheaded by American Legion Post 516, under the direction of Commander Alton Head, who also works as a Field Safety Inspector for the HCWA. It was the ninth time Post 516 members have stepped in to help other communities suffering from the aftereffects of a natural disaster, and this most recent food drive was the third time Post 516 has aided others in response to Hurricane Helene.
Following the lead of American Legion Post 516 and Commander Head, the HCWA and its Human Resources Department, under the direction of Tamara Woodie, joined forces with Stockbridge Community Church and Pastor Jeff Davis, Henry County District 1 Commissioner Johnny Wilson, Henry County Public Safety, and other county departments, agencies, and community organizations, to collect a tractor trailer load of essential items, which was delivered to citizens in Nashville, Georgia in Berrien County with a Henry County Police escort.
"We have a heart for providing relief to those in need, and our (American Legion) members were fired up to help," says Head. "We had already sent (a load of goods) to Vidalia, Georgia and another to South Carolina the week prior."
Following the October Authority Meeting, when the HCWA staff provided an update to Board Members on the emergency response and relief efforts following Hurricane Helene, several HCWA employees made their way to Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) to provide food for those who had evacuated Florida to avoid any potential harm from Hurricane Milton.
"Atlanta Motor Speedway had generously opened their campground for evacuees at no cost, so we were happy to serve food to those neighbors," says Brock Biles, HCWA Manager of Water Loss, whose staff hosted the cookout at AMS. "This was probably the best event I've ever been a part of," adds Biles. "Every person said thank you and was truly appreciative. Our staff loves being able to be of service to others in this way."
Captions for photos (top to bottom):
Alton Head, Commander of the American Legion Post 516 and HCWA Field Safety Inspector, spearheads the most recent hurricane relief efforts among community partners within Henry County.
Todd Brackin (right), HCWA Conservation Enforcement Coordinator who serves as a Specialist with the 1st Battalion of the Georgia State Defense Force (GSDF), delivers bottled water provided by the Authority to citizens in Metter, Georgia.
HCWA employees from the Water Loss Department provide a cookout for residents from Florida who were camped out at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the evacuation caused by Hurricane Milton.
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Media Contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681