FORT BRAGG, Calif. – Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced that it is contributing $20,000 to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue organization.

This is part of $100,000 dollars that PG&E has set aside to give to local volunteer organizations in Mendocino County that are critical to emergency response initiatives.

“PG&E’s support of Mendocino County volunteer organizations is truly appreciated now more than ever,” said Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman. “Certainly, the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue is near and dear to my heart, but each of the groups receiving donations will use the funds to ensure we are prepared and able to respond to emergencies. It will make a big difference to all of us.”

Another Mendocino County organization benefitting from PG&E’s donation is the Potter Valley Volunteer Fire Department.

PG&E made the $25,000 donation to Chief Bill Pauli and his firefighters last week during a surprise event.

“We rely on the working relationships we have the Sheriff’s Office and our volunteer fire departments, especially during emergencies,” said Carl Schoenhofer, Senior Manager for PG&E’s Humboldt Division, which covers Mendocino County. “They’re critical to helping us deliver safe and reliable power and gas to our customers in their time of need.”

PG&E already has donated $2 million to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund, which will directly support those impacted by the wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties.

The donations will come from PG&E shareholders, not its customers.

More information about PG&E’s response and recovery work for the Northern California wildfires can be found at www.pgecommitment.com.