FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dona Prindle
860-455-1553
EASTCONN Drivers Aid in Late-Night Evacuation of Seniors Following Power Outage
In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 16, EASTCONN transportation staff played a crucial role in evacuating dozens of elderly residents from a Thompson senior living community after a car accident left the complex without power and created potentially dangerous electrical conditions.
The incident began around 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, when a vehicle struck a utility pole at the corner of Riverside Drive and Route 200 in Thompson. Later that evening, residents at Gladys Green and Pineview Court Apartments began experiencing electrical issues, with multiple reports of outlets "popping" and other concerning electrical problems.
After receiving several 911 calls from worried residents, the West Thompson Fire Department responded to investigate. No fire, but with Eversource estimating power restoration would take approximately two days, fire officials determined that evacuating all residents - many of whom use walkers or require oxygen - was necessary for their safety.
Despite attempts to contact several local bus companies for evacuation assistance, none were available in what was now the middle of the night. That's when Matthew Bernier, who serves as both Assistant Fire Chief for West Thompson Fire Department and an EASTCONN bus driver, stepped forward with a solution.
Bernier reached out to Kimberly Bush, Director of EASTCONN Transportation, requesting permission to use an EASTCONN bus to transport the seniors. Bush immediately approved the emergency use.
Bernier arrived at the complex with a 77-passenger EASTCONN bus, while Michael Hall - who also serves dual roles with the West Thompson Fire Department and as an EASTCONN van driver - brought a 7-passenger EASTCONN van to help transport wheelchair-bound residents. Local ambulance services also assisted with the evacuation.
"When we pulled up, the firefighters were so happy and relieved," said Bernier. "It made everyone's night that much brighter. I've been a firefighter and a driver for 20+ years - this was definitely a first!"
“When I arrived with the EASTCONN van and saw the relief on those seniors' faces, I knew we were making a real difference.” said Michael Hall.
“As both a firefighter and driver, I've trained for emergencies, but helping evacuate our community's most vulnerable residents in the middle of the night was truly meaningful.”
EASTCONN vehicles transported approximately 28 residents to safety at the Quinebaug Fire Station, which had been set up as a warming shelter.
There, the evacuees received coffee and breakfast donated by a local caterer. One resident even brought along her cat in a carrier.
"I was so happy to help everyone," Bernier reflected. "It's not every day that something like this happens."
"When I received the call at 2 a.m. about our seniors needing evacuation, there wasn't a moment's hesitation,” said Bush. “Our drivers Matthew Bernier and Michael Hall exemplify what EASTCONN stands for - stepping up when our community needs us most. The fact that they serve both as EASTCONN drivers and as firefighters speaks to their character and commitment to public service. I couldn't be prouder of how they represented our transportation department, providing safe passage for these vulnerable residents during such a stressful situation. This is exactly why we maintain our fleet and train our staff to the highest standards - so we can be there when it matters most."
The displaced seniors remained at the shelter until about 9:00 a.m., when power was restored—much earlier than Eversource's initial estimate. By 11:00 a.m., after Eversource personnel confirmed it was safe to return, residents began heading home, many receiving rides from family members.
The successful late-night evacuation highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the dedication of individuals who serve in multiple roles throughout the region.
The event also demonstrated how EASTCONN's resources can be mobilized to assist community partners during emergency situations, providing vital services when they're needed most.
EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut's schools and communities since 1980.
