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Idaho Power Crews were among the countless groups called on to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. Now they’re on their way back home, after restoring power to thousands of homes.

Photos of the crew's trip and repair efforts

The Manager of Delivery Construction Matt Smith has already made it back, and he told us the trip was an emotional journey for everyone.

When Long Island Power Authority called them to help out, Smith said he didn’t think twice about it.

Photos of Hurricane Sandy's destruction

"It's not a mandatory thing. We want to reach out and be good neighbors. When we're asking for help, we're hoping they'll return the favor,” he said.

Idaho Power sent journeymen linemen, who can recognize hazards and restore power under extreme conditions.

According to crews, some households had power restored after Hurricane Sandy, only to have it shut down a few days later, when a Nor’easter passed through.

Due to the added complication, many of the homes, Idaho Power crews were assigned to, did not have power for 12 to 14 days.

"They would cheer when we turn the lights on. There were people in tears. It was overwhelming," said Smith.

Crews told us the residents' patience and positive spirit, gave them the lift they needed to work 16 hours a day, after sleeping in bunk beds inside a trailer with mobile showers.

Idaho Power Crews said they worked in multiple towns on Long Island, restoring power to thousands of homes.

The rest of the crew should be back in Idaho on Friday. Idaho Power employees said the volunteer crews will have the weekend off to catch up on sleep. Then, it's back to work on Monday.