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Tesla sends Cybertrucks to L.A. to provide Starlink internet to impacted communities

The trucks will serve as battery banks to provide backup power and Wi-Fi through Starlink connectivity, aiding residents impacted by outages caused by the Eaton Fire

Tesla sends Cybertrucks to L.A. to provide Starlink internet to impacted communities

“This is essential for our public information officers,” Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam Van Gerpen told KCAL. “And for our incident commanders, even for our strike teams who are out there trying to communicate. We have radio communications, but this will enable cell phone and wireless communication.”

Altadena Mountain Rescue Team via Facebook

LOS ANGELES -- In response to devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, Tesla has donated several Cybertrucks to assist the Altadena station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, KRON reported.

The trucks will serve as battery banks to provide backup power and free Wi-Fi through Starlink connectivity, aiding residents and first responders impacted by power outages caused by the Eaton Fire, according to the report.

“This is essential for our public information officers,” Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam Van Gerpen told KCAL. “And for our incident commanders, even for our strike teams who are out there trying to communicate. We have radio communications, but this will enable cell phone and wireless communication.”

Altadena, located just north of Pasadena, has experienced widespread disruptions, including power outages and infrastructure damage. Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on X that the donated Cybertrucks will act as mobile base stations, providing essential services to affected areas, according to the report.

The Altadena Mountain Rescue Team confirmed that the vehicles would remain at the sheriff’s station until power is restored. Tesla also plans to send additional Cybertrucks to other fire-stricken areas in Los Angeles and Malibu. Musk noted that while the Cybertrucks themselves are not portable hotspots, the donated models are equipped with Starlink systems to deliver free Internet access to communities in need.

Musk acknowledged that the donation effort would delay some California Cybertruck deliveries but emphasized the priority of assisting those in the most affected regions.

“Apologies to those expecting Cybertruck deliveries in California over the next few days,” Musk wrote on X. “We need to use those trucks as mobile base stations to provide power to Starlink Internet terminals in areas of LA without connectivity.”

NEXT: Police1 speaks with Grey Bull Rescue Founder Bryan Stern about the organization’s recent delivery of Starlink devices to assist the LA County Fire Department with communications during the California wildfires, which led to a suprise collaboration with Elon Musk.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com