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Grant PUD Employees Respond to Highway Accident
EPHRATA – Timing and a quick response by three Grant PUD employees helped bring order after a potentially disastrous vehicle accident occurred on Saturday, July 7.
Three weekend patrol employees responded when the driver of a Hyundai Elantra made a U-turn on I-90 in front of an oncoming semi-truck, crushing the driver’s side of the vehicle. The accident occurred just under the Vantage overpass on Interstate-90. Shad Downing, Justin Grubb and Kalvin Stakkeland went to work immediately. Downing called 911; Stakkeland began directing traffic away from the accident; and Grubb, who has previous experience as an Ellensburg reserve police officer, tended to the victims of the accident.
Weekend patrol employees are trained and equipped to handle emergency situations on the Priest Rapids Project during the summer months. These employees provide information to individuals using the reservoirs for recreation. They also manage litter control and conduct archaeological resource protection monitoring.
Over the years, Grant PUD employees have been first responders to dozens of accidents and emergencies while en route from various utility locations throughout the county. Most Grant PUD employees are trained in basic first aid and CPR and many carry radios or cell phones to call for assistance.
“We are fortunate to have capable employees like Shad, Justin and Kalvin at the PUD,” said Joe Lukas, assistant general manager. “Employees are trained to respond in the event of an emergency and we are glad that they were in the right place to be able to assist.”
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