Monroe honors electric, fire and police crews for Hurricane Helene mutual aid

Monroe City Council on Dec. 10 recognized city electric, fire and police personnel who deployed to other jurisdictions to aid recovery after Hurricane Helene.

Rob Miller introduced the city’s electric division and named multiple line crews that traveled to Greenwood, Newberry and Prosperity, S.C., to help restore power to thousands of customers. The town of Prosperity traveled to Monroe to present a plaque and to thank the Monroe crews in person.

"With great appreciation to the City of Monroe Energy Services Department for your unselfish dedication to restoring electrical power to the citizens and businesses of the town of Prosperity following the devastation of Hurricane Helene," Prosperity Mayor Derek Underwood read from a plaque presented to the city. He told council the Monroe crews "came immediately" and were "true ambassadors of the city of Monroe."

Chief Ron Fowler recognized two swift‑water rescue teams from Monroe Fire Department that deployed to western North Carolina. Fowler listed the members of both teams and said the teams performed water rescues, evacuated 85 people from a mobile home park by boat and carried out damage assessment and general fire protection duties.

Chief Brian Gilliard introduced police officers who volunteered for mutual aid deployments to areas affected by the tropical storm on the coast and the mountain flooding. Gilliard said 21 officers deployed at various times over a month to assist communities including Southport and mountain counties.

Council and staff thanked the public‑safety and utility workers for their service and for forging relationships with agencies in affected communities during the response.