Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK), one of the largest oil and natural gas producers, recently donated a 2010 Ford Explorer from its corporate fleet to Bradford Country Emergency Management Agency, according to a report by The Daily Review.
The move comes as Bradford County has in recent months been in a state of emergency following high winds, flash flooding, and power outages caused by Hurricane Sandy.
Public Safety Director of Bradford County, Bob Barnes, said that the new vehicle will replace a 1990 Ford and will be used as a transport vehicle.
“Given our recent experience with the flood, the ability to carry passengers and do things like damage assessment and incident management has become a priority,” he said. “This vehicle will certainly enable us to meet those needs.”
The storm caused by Hurricane Sandy left thousands of people without power as lines were damaged. The region was hit with high sustained wind speeds of between 30 and 50 mph, sometimes reaching speeds as high as 70 mph. Heavy rainfall of three inches caused further problems and made it necessary for the opening of emergency shelters in the area.
A representative for Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK), Jane Clements, Manager of Community Affairs, presented the pickup to Barnes.
“We’re very grateful to Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) and everyone who helped make this possible,” Barnes said.
The vehicle will also see service in allowing the Bradford Country Emergency Management Agency to access the 911 tower site for regular maintenance and management – which must be done at least once a month in order to check the generators and equipment to be sure it is working correctly. After heavy rainfall or a snowstorm, it can be difficult to access the 911 tower site without a vehicle with four wheel drive.
Bradford County Commissioners also expressed their thanks to Chesapeake Energy for providing the emergency agency with the much-needed vehicle.
Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) is an oil and natural gas company headquartered in Oklahoma City. Founded in 1989, the company has grown to become the second largest producer of natural gas and a top 15 producer of oil and natural gas liquids. The company has over 18 trillion of cubic feet equivalent of proven reserves and has an interest in wells that produce a total of 4.1 billion cubic feet equivalent per day – 80 percent of which is natural gas.
