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HELPER, Emery County — Residents inundated with mud and water Monday are finally starting to see light at the end of the cleanup tunnel thanks to volunteers, many of them coming from Emery County.
Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk is helping to coordinate many of the efforts, after he heard of the need, from one of his friends, who is on the city council in Helper.
He’s recruited members of his search and rescue to pitch in their time and resources to help out, knowing it takes a lot of hands to help cleanup a big disaster in a small town.
"It gives us something to give back to the community and to help out,” said Kirk McQuivey, an employee of Pacificorp.
The sheriff also brought a work crew of five inmates from the county jail. They were doing the tough job in the basements of homes, helping to clean out mud, muck and rocks.
“I understand now getting into a community and being more involved in the community," said Joe Mower, who is serving time in the jail.
Local business owners provided heavy equipment and manpower.
“A lot of our employees live in this town. When stuff like this happens, we try to bond together and help out where we can," said Ben Orgill, Emery County resident. "It's a big mess and it is going to take a lot of people to clean up.”
For homeowners, like Sherlene Hertzog in Helper, the effort has left her nearly speechless with gratitude: "They are fabulous!” she said.
