The first day of this year’s hurricane season was also a renewalof a friendship between cities when officials of Park City, Ill.,visited Brookhaven for the dedication of a generator they wereinstrumental in providing for the city.

Two Park City officials helped water department employees JohnnyKing and Wayne Kimble crank the new generator, which roared to lifecheerily to the applause of about 30 people gathered at thededication held Friday afternoon. It will run two water wellsshould the city lose power like it did during Katrina.

“I’d like to thank the people at the water department and thepeople from Park City,” said Water Department Superintendent LannyDickey. “People don’t realize what we were going through in 2005.It was real close. We were one of two water systems that providedthe public with water when all the rest went down because ofKatrina.”

Mayor Bob Massengill turned the credit over to Dickey’s workersas well.

“Thanks to the dedication of these people, the city never lostwater,” he said. “Hopefully we never will have an extended periodwithout power again, but when we do, we’re hopefully betterprepared than ever before. This is because of our city workers andthe help of the good people of Park City.”

One of the old generators has also been reworked to be aportable generator, which will also prove vital in a time of need,the mayor said.

“We learned a lot from Katrina, and we learned ourinfrastructure was outdated, and we needed to do something aboutit,” he said. “And this gift allowed us not only to get a newgenerator, but to take an old generator and make a portablegenerator that will go around to service our lift stations all overthe city.”

The gift came from a bond formed in Brookhaven’s time of need.During Hurricane Katrina, Park City took Brookhaven under its wingas a result of a business deal their city attorney was working onwith Brookhaven-based Government Capital.

Park City Attorney Pete Karlovicz said he was rather annoyedwhen he heard nothing from representatives of the company for quitesome time and had left several cross messages. When he finally gota call back saying Brookhaven had been hit by Hurricane Katrina, hespoke to the mayor of Park City, who has Mississippi rootshimself.

“I felt really bad, and Mayor (Steve) Pannell of Park City isfrom Booneville, Miss., and he asked what we needed,” he said. “Weraised three truckloads of food, water, clothing and stuff to bringdown to Brookhaven.”

Senior Alderman Paul Christensen said he was proud to say thathis family helped contribute to the gifts sent to Brookhaven duringthe crisis.

“I donated all my camping stuff, all my sleeping bags andstuff,” he said. “We donated between about $750 worth of goodsbetween me and my family. And we were glad to do it.”

Karlovicz said in 2005, Park City passed a resolution adoptingBrookhaven as their sister city, and the two men vowed on behalf oftheir city and its officials to keep the bond strong.

“Our hearts were broken when we saw what was going on, we had24-hour FOX News and that’s all I watched during that time,” saidChristensen, saying his people had found a real compassion for thesouth in their hearts at that time. “It’s not going to stop either.We’ve got a new police department and a new city hall being builtand we’re going to invite you guys to come to the openingceremonies and give you the kind of hospitality we’ve gotten heretoday.”

Mayor Bob Massengill said not only were the donations of food,clothing, and personal items at the time of the hurricaneinstrumental in helping Brookhaven get back on its feet, but themoney Park City helped gather made the new generator possible.

“They didn’t just send these things, they brought them inperson, and they were here with us. The mayor, the city attorney,and other key personnel came to be a part of what was happeninghere,” he said. “They raised over $7,600 that helped our city inneed, and that enabled us to go with funds we had to buy this newgenerator.”

Massengill said it was that concern and camaraderie that willalways bond the two cities in friendship.

“Park City helped make this a reality, and that is an example ofwhat one neighbor helping another in need is all about,” hesaid.

Karlovicz and Christensen said that not only did they enjoy thetrip and getting to know the people of Brookhaven, but they willspread the word when they get home.

“When me and Peter go back, we’ll have a lot to talk about aboutBrookhaven, and we will not forget you,” said Christensen. “We willbe back. I know I will be back. I’m looking for a place to retiresome day.”