Above photo: Lawrence Cavallaro’s search and rescue team getting ready to take action in the dense smoke
As smoke started to fill the skies, Oregon Governor Kate Brown invoked The Emergency Conflagration Act, authorizing additional resources to help battle the massive wildfires plaguing the state. Several Comcasters have answered the call to action. They continue to donate their time to fight the fires and help their neighbors in need. Here are just a few of their stories.
Todd Dallof, Construction Engineering Team, Tigard, Ore.
Todd Dallof, a volunteer firefighter with the city of Dundee, Ore., is in the midst of his third deployment. While the first two years he only worked a few days, this time he’s expected to be out for a full two weeks, working to minimize the terrible impact of the fires.
He’s worked on the Holiday Farm, Mosier Creek and White River fires.
“When we first arrived on this fire, we cleared the highway of fallen trees to let other firefighters and civilians caught between the fire and Blue River to escape,” said Todd. “That was probably one of the most intense things I’ve ever been a part of. It looked like midnight, even though it was only around 11 a.m. There was fire everywhere. Our team worked together well. We found several people rushing down the highway without vehicles and were able to help them get away.”
“The team is very proud of Todd,” said Ryan Hansen, Todd’s Construction Supervisor. “He represents many of the great men and women we have fighting for us. They are always thinking about others first.”
David Tishmack, Maintenance Manager, Eugene, Ore.
David Tishmack, a Junction City volunteer firefighter and EMT, is also working to put out the Holiday Farm Fire. He’s been deployed to disaster zones across the United States for seven years.
“I do it because I know I can handle it,” said David after nearly 24 hours awake, working tirelessly to contain the fire. “It takes the burden off the community. The more people who participate, the better off everyone else will be. I’m grateful Comcast allows me to take time away from work to do this.”
The gratitude doesn’t stop there.
“Over the years Dave has used his skills to help many people and integrated it into his role at Comcast,” said Joseph Mitchell, Network Maintenance Director in Vancouver, Wash. “In 2018, he led a team of network technicians down to California to help recover from the wildfires and restore service to as many locations as possible. Dave’s dedication to both our customers and his community is unparalleled.”
The hard work of David and others like him is starting to pay off. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office lowered the evacuation level in the Mohawk Valley and the fire is finally beginning to be contained.
Lawrence Cavallero, Comcast Business Account Exec, Vancouver, Wash.
Lawrence Cavallero has experience in the Clark County Search and Rescue team. He stepped up to help contain the Riverside Wildfire. This isn’t the first time he’s helped in a time of need. Lawrence has been on countless missions to save lives, including using PTO to help in Houston, Texas after Hurricane Harvey caused massive flooding in 2017.
“I’ve always had a passion for helping in circumstances where I can make a difference,” said Lawrence. “I spent six years in the Marine Corps prior to working at Comcast. Now I have a flexible schedule and a great manager who allows me the comfort of assisting where needed without sacrificing my job performance.”
After seeing an Instagram post about the need for volunteers, Lawrence knew he had to go help. The next day, he was in Molalla helping with fire breaks to stop the wildfire from expanding.
“Lawrence gives his all in everything he does, from being a top sales executive to helping other in times of need,” said Chris Nordby, Lawrence’s supervisor. “I’m always grateful to have him part of my team and as a friend.”
Mike Dalke, Xfinity Sales, Tigard, Ore.
Mike Dalke and his wife and 20 year-old daughter have owned Rocking D Ranch in Dallas, Ore. for 14 years. They normally have 14 horses. Then the Beachie Creek Fire started. Now the Dalkes have taken in 30 more horses along with six goats and two pigs. They’ve also opened their home to a family whose house was destroyed in the fire.
They’ve set up extra stalls in their indoor arena to create a haven for the guest animals while the pet owners are evacuated from their homes.
“We brought in horses from Estacada, Lyons, Silverton and Molalla,” says Mike. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding. We’re blessed to be able to bless other families.”
