City staff received appreciation Tuesday night for their efforts in dealing with the recent wind and water crisis events.
Junction City Police Chief John Lamb said when the winds hit officers self-deployed and began using their own chain saws to clear roads, called out downed traffic lines and signals. "They were out there amongst it getting it done and I couldn't be more proud. " Police also helped points of water distribution at the old high school and JC Naz parking lots after flooding at the water plant knocked out service to the community. They also received help from volunteers in the distribution of more than 100 pallets of water.
Fire Chief Jason Lankas noted that it took a lot of hard hours with the crisis. "It started last Wednesday, two structure fires right off the bat with 60-80 mph winds. It was a lot and then the smoke scare for the city and county. Dispatch was overwhelmed with calls and we all worked together to solve problems. "Later there was an early morning call on Thursday following the flooding at the water plant.
Mayor Jeff Underhill expressed appreciation for everybody's hard work while Commissioner Nate Butler noted that he liked the one-stop shop to get information out through the emergency management system. "I think that's huge. Allen ( Dinkel ) thank you for putting in all the hours and time that you did getting this thing done, mayor for going out there and doing it." To everyone else who helped Butler issued a thank you as well.