BOONE COUNTY, Ky. -- Tri-State Duke Energy crews left for Florida Friday morning ahead of Hurricane Dorian’s landfall.
About 40 drivers left at 8:30 a.m. Friday and will arrive in Florida on Saturday. Crews will then be dispatched to the hardest-hit areas to restore power.
District Supervisor Andre Adams says hurricane season brings out the camaraderie among crew members.
“These are the times we really take pride in going out and serving the community, or other states, or anybody who's in need for our services,” Adams said.
Adams knows these types of trips well; he was a leader on the restoration trip to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
"It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to go out there and help those people,” Adams said. “The attitude there was wonderful. The reception was great.”
Adams said witnessing destruction firsthand can take a toll on crew members. He said it’s extremely difficult to watch as people mourn the loss of their homes.
But restoring power to communities is life-changing for its residents, and that’s what motivates the crew to serve in the wake of tragedy.
"(It) wants to make you put your best foot forward to help out whoever you come in contact with,” Adams said.
