Port Coquitlam, BC – In the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, many around the country are aware of the very real dangers the populace of New York and New Jersey face surviving day-to-day. Many stepped forward to aid in anyway possible, lending any resources they have. One of those men has considerable resources to contribute. That man is Aaron Rokstad, President of Rokstad Power Corporation based out of Port Coquitlam, BC.
Early November 3rd, Rokstad and his Vice President Chris Poullos mobilized their diesel fleet of power utility trucks, fellow volunteer utility linemen, and numerous other disaster relief power units, and crossed the Washington border; destination: New York.
40-50 hours later, 95 pairs of work boots stepped into the mud after Hurricane Sandy to restore power in Brewster, NY, as well as several other small communities and homes in that area. 2,000-3,000 people had an immediate need of power due to days of power blackout and 7" of fresh snowfall. When asked about why they heard the call for help from New York to British Columbia, BC, Poullos replied, "It's like being a fireman, and whether you're on duty or off, if there's a fire, your inner drive to help takes over."
Poullos and his crew are seeing firsthand the third world conditions left in the wake of the hurricane, and their help is sorely needed. "The look on their (families) faces when the lights come back on… it's overjoyed" says Poullos. "My guys are working day and night. They're exhausted, fatigued, but it's worth it. We're family guys too, and we know how desperate these people are for help."
Rokstad and the "Local 258" met in Montana with their associates from another district before spearheading the humanitarian effort from the North. In total, Poullos estimates 40 utility trucks, 95 volunteer utility technicians, and around twenty mobile power equipment units arrived in New York with the objective of staying until their job is done and power is restored.
Do you know of any other businesses that extended their resources to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy?
Original Content Contributed by Ben Buckmiller. Ben.Buckmiller@khq.com
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