As Hurricane Charley recovery efforts continued in south Florida, West Florida Electric Cooperative crews assisted in rebuilding damaged powerlines in storm-stricken areas. A dozen WFEC employees left the Panhandle in the early morning Aug. 23 with trucks and pole trailers to help restore electric service to south Florida residents served by Peace River Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Wauchula, Fla.

The Florida Electric Cooperatives Association, which coordinates post-disaster power restoration assistance among the state’s electric cooperatives, earlier had requested WFEC prepare to provide relief crews, instead of sending personnel in the storm’s immediate aftermath. So, WFEC linemen remained on standby with their bags packed until receiving orders to head south.

WFEC’s linemen were among approximately 600 additional personnel from Touchstone Energy cooperatives across the country who helped repair Peace River’s electric distribution system. "We’re really appreciative of the outpouring of help from our fellow Touchstone Energy co-ops in restoring power to our customers," said Peace River Vice President of Marketing and Member Services Brad Kimbro. "They worked 16-hour days in hot, unpleasant conditions."

WFEC personnel assisting Peace River, shown from left, are Terrell Culbreth, Wayne Davidson, Kevin Nelson, Don Hatcher, David Brannon, Shane Rustin, Dennis Culbreth, David Register, Robin Faircloth, Junior Willis, James Quattlebaum, Bob McDaniel and Rodney Bowers.