Nothing like Macon Georgia in the dead of summer! With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees some days, we spent 2 weeks in Macon installing microwave antennas for Alcatel-Lucent and BIG Wireless. We installed 6 antennas at three sites to support the roll out of Macon County’s new 911 communications system (P25 Harris network).
Each install was on a guyed-tower at heights up to 250′ above ground level. The towers themselves were 400′-650′ in height. One site was remote enough we spotted wild boar running near by. The one to the left was the 650′ tower. Our installs were at 115′ and 235′ on this tower.
Crew from HNS Telecom (Gary & Dave) at 115′ AGL installing the mounts for one of the antennas.
Getting ready to raise a 6′ diameter microwave antenna to 235′. These weigh over 200 lbs. Good thing it was a calm day, even if it was over 95 degrees with humidity approaching 98%.
Never say we have a dull moment: While on the way to Macon, Alex was just outside of Florence SC on I20 headed westbound when he encountered a single vehicle accident. A large passenger van had been traveling east bound and went off the road, up an embankment, and rolled and rotated multiple times. Of the 11 passengers, at least 6 had been ejected. No first responders were on scene yet. Alex stopped and worked with several truckers and two registered nurses to start triage and providing aid until first responders arrived. Upon their arrival, the incident was turned over to them and Alex stayed to assist until all 11 passengers were safely on board ambulances or helicopters. Two of the victims were in pretty bad shape. Only one victim spoke any English which made triage a little more challenging (and Alex does not speak Ethiopian, their native language). Picture taken by news crews after the scene had been cleared of victims.
