Henry Bergson, president of the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA), Tarrytown, N.Y.,is also vice chairman of the board of fire commissioners in Katonah, N.Y. His fire department was asked to stand by to support the New York City fire houses if needed. “While we were ready to go last Wednesday through Friday (Sept. 12-14), we served a behind-the-scenes logistical support function collecting supplies and loading trucks that were sent to the impact site,” he said.
Another electrical industry executive active in local government was involved in directing his community’s rescue efforts. Brian Phelan, ASCO’s director of switch marketing, is also the mayor of Mendham Township, N.J. Phelan said on Sept. 11, three of Mendham Township’s first aid squad members and one ambulance were dispatched by his area’s district area mobilization coordinator to assist with rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. The crew took a small boat to New York from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., and was placed in active duty at 3 a.m. on Sept. 12 at one of the triage sites until they were relieved at 12:30 p.m. later that day.
At press time, Mendham’s first aid squad and other emergency services were still on standby and were available to come in if they received any other requests for further assistance.