GRAND HAVEN BLP BOARD RECOGNIZES LINEMEN THAT PROVIDED ICE STORM MUTUAL AID
GRAND HAVEN, MICH., May 5, 2025 – The Grand Haven Board of Light & Power (BLP) during their April meeting recognized the efforts of the local linemen that provided mutual aid in Northern Michigan during last month’s ice storm.
BLP line crews were stationed in Northern Michigan for over three weeks serving the Cities of Petosky and Harbor Springs before moving onto Presque Isle Gas & Electric to assist with damage from the ice storm that left residents without power during extremely cold conditions. The BLP linemen that assisted with mutual aid efforts consisted of Alex Moore, Brett Schmidt, Dave Tompkins, Kevin Simpson, Ryan LaFrance, and Trent Kovalcik.
“The commitment of these BLP linemen cannot be overstated,” according to Rob Shelley, BLP General Manager. “They worked 16-hour days for many days in a row, away from their families, so that the residents suffering from the impacts of the ice storm could get their power back. We received multiple comments from the other utilities of how impressed they were with the BLP line crew’s ability, work ethic, safety and dedication to restoring electrical service for these communities.”
The storm has been described as one of the most severe weather events for Northern Michigan in over a century. Both state and federal agencies are conducting damage assessments on the areas hit hardest by the ice storm.
Mike Westbrook, BLP Chairman, stated “These men worked in extremely difficult weather conditions, performing backbreaking work and exceedingly long hours to restore power to the residents of Northern Michigan. We thank them for their efforts and their willingness to step up when the call for mutual aid assistance was broadcast. We have one of the best workforces in our industry and these men deserve our acknowledgement.”
BLP Linemen Pictured Left to Right (Trent Kovalick, Brett Schmidt, Kevin Simpson, Dave Tompkins, Ryan LaFrance, Alex Moore)
