The Augusta Aviation Commission took time to commend Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) employees for their emergency relief efforts amid Hurricane Helene, Thursday morning, during its first meeting since the storm.
Airport Fire Chief Richard Beal lauded AGS workers as he debriefed the commissioners on how AGS engaged the storm’s aftermath, in lieu of a forthcoming formal report, saying he was “very impressed” with how they stepped up in the days following.
“People looked out for each other in ways that I would not have even thought. They checked on each other, and everything else. This was really great to be a part of this family and this team,” said Beal. “The people that were on duty during it were put into position and forced to make decisions that they felt were outside of their scope, but worked through it and did so in order to make us move forward.”
On Sunday, Sept. 29, two days after the storm hit, AGS resumed limited operations amid loss of auxiliary power. Many staff worked outside their regular hours to maintain the airport and keep it open. Over the next several days, AGS would provide fuel for emergency services—include the fire department and the sheriff’s office—and the department of parks and recreation, and eventually outside of Richmond County.
Over five days, the airport supplied 10,115 gallons of gasoline and 4,221 gallons of diesel fuel for emergency service vehicles.
Mayor Garnett Johnson, via phone, also offered kudos to the airport staff, saying, “We never anticipated on needing the airport to help us maintain some of the most simple services, as law enforcement and responders, but we can’t thank you guys enough for your partnership.”
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
