Crew members from the City of Piqua’s Power System are returning home following mutual aid support provided to the Town of Forest Hill, North Carolina, in the wake of Winter Storm Fern.
Four Piqua team members — Russel Eichhorn, Justin Foutz, Hayden Hall and Ken Wagner — departed on Friday, January 24, 2026, and covered on-call duties for the local utility. Staff from the City of Wapakoneta joined the Piqua team for response to Forest City.
They assisted with downed trees over three-phase lines that were burning. The predicted ice accumulation in the area was less than forecasted, so damage was minimal.
Crews from Piqua and other member agencies responded to the call for mutual aid from American Public Power Association and American Municipal Power, Inc., assisting with recovery efforts.
“I am happy to report that our crew members stayed safe while providing much-needed assistance to a community facing storm-related issues,” Piqua Power System Director RJ Monnier said. “We welcome them home and look forward to continuing our commitment to providing mutual aid in times of need.”
