GeoLinks Infrastructure Team Comes Up Clutch When Disaster Strikes


Posted: 8-24-2020

Last week, GeoLinks’ infrastructure technicians Benjamin Lopez and John Edwards quickly sprung into action after learning of a downed tower site in Northern California. A critical connectivity link, the site serves clients within a 35-mile radius, including an elementary school in Clarksburg, CA.

Without hesitating, Benjamin and John dispatched to complete the entire route to Northern California and attempted to gain access as soon as they arrived. Due to closed roads and downed lines, they were forced to turn back late that night but returned the next day to complete the job and restore power and connectivity.

After conducting some local reconnaissance, they located an open road where the fire had already passed and access was approved. Using a chain and their truck, they slowly and safely hauled a huge downed tree out of the road, which also allowed local residents to regain road access. After reaching the site, they began setting up a solar trailer and worked with the site manager to get the backup generator functioning again. Being the first on-site,  Benjamin and John put in a 12-hour day to get the site prepped for full rewiring.

The following day was another long one, as the crew members worked to rebuild and rewire the damaged infrastructure and get the site completely online. After another long drive back, they finally returned to HQ after 1 a.m. on Saturday morning.

With our Network Operations Center offering remote support throughout the process, this truly was a team effort and the type of dedication we truly celebrate and appreciate at GeoLinks. We truly care about the work we do and the invaluable service we provide. Our NOC and infrastructure teams are shining examples of our dedication to our mission.

Below is a collection of photos outlining the journey Benjamin and John took to restore power to a critical tower site. Follow along to see their effort and dedication in action!

The wildfire is shown directly under the tower from an onsite camera. Technicians were dispatched the same day.

 

California Highway Patrol set up road closures, causing our technicians to have to turn back upon initial. After working with CalFire, they learned of a back route that was open and approved for access.

 

Arrival to the site wasn’t possible after a long drive on the first day, thanks to downed poles and power lines.

 

Benjmain and John towed a huge tree out of the roadway using chains and their truck. Their labor also allowed local residents to get through.

 

With the infrastructure completely burnt, it had to be replaced and rewired on the third day of dispatch.

 

An onsite solar camera was also destroyed by the blaze. Also pictured is the solar trailer that was installed at the site. GeoLinks technicians were the first to arrive.

 

The third day of work also required replacing all cables. All of the terrain around the tower was burned.

 

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