Wade McKinney, the city manager of Atascadero, speaks about the importance of having a disaster-response trailer. (Photos by Blair Jones.)
The city of Atascadero has a new disaster response trailer thanks to a fund-raising drive that started with a challenge-grant from PG&E.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday (Sept. 11) as the city celebrated the arrival of the trailer that’s now outfitted with life-saving equipment.
More than $100,000 was raised this year as part of a fund-raising effort to pay for the refurbishing of the former beverage trailer into a vehicle that can be used in emergencies. And PG&E, which provided a $25,000 grant, played a critical role by encouraging local residents to step up and match the utility’s donation.
PG&E issued a community challenge as part of the “50K in 50 Days” campaign and employees who call Atascadero home got involved during the drive – along with a city council member and fire department staff – staffing a phone bank.
Atascadero’s emergency-response trailer was converted from a beverage hauler. It now holds essential equipment that will be required in an emergency.
The ribbon cutting was held before the Atascadero City Council meeting and PG&E was recognized for its support of the disaster response trailer as well as the Atascadero City Library. Among those in attendance were Brian Sturtevant, a city council member and PG&E employee, Atascadero Fire Chief Kurt Stone and San Luis Obispo County Supervisor James Patterson.
The large, 16-bay trailer was donated by Jordano’s beverage services. It is now outfitted with tools including the Jaws of Life, chainsaws, a massive generator and LED lighting. The trailer, which has its own Facebook page, will be made available to the city, county and mutual aid agencies.
