The greatest hour of need many Americans face in their lifetime occurs in the immediate wake of a devastating natural disaster that destroys their home, their community and their way of life. Local emergency resources are often damaged by a disaster, and several critical days can pass before local authorities or federal agencies can begin to assess the damage and start the daunting tasks of restoring order and establishing rescue and recovery operations. People in desperate need are often stranded, alone and in danger.

The First Response Team of America deploys nationwide to assist communities in the first critical hours when safety is of premium importance. Armed with specialized equipment, communication technology and an experienced staff, we bring help and hope to our neighbors in need. (Explore more)

Where is the Team?

The Team is currently in Fredericktown, MO. On the morning of May 8th the city was struck by a derecho (a violent, straight-line wind storm). This same storm system swept through southeast Kansas and extended all the way through the Central Plains and into the Ohio River Valley. In addition to wind speeds which were reported up to 106 mph, the storm brought EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes as well as flash flooding. The wind uprooted trees and damaged thousands of homes, leaving many homeless.

Many have referred to this storm as an inland hurricane. Unlike many windstorms, this derecho left severe, widespread destruction over a large geographic area. With the assistance of the Team and a 277C Multi-Terrain Loader provided by Fabick Cat, roads and home sites are being cleared so that the community can begin rebuilding. The Team is working with regional and national humanitarian organizations and local authorities to assist as many people as time and resources permit.

The Team is currently in Mena, Arkansas, which was hit on April 9 by an EF-3 tornado. Three people were killed, and hundreds were left homeless. From what the Team can tell, this tornado was the most destructive yet of the 2009 storm season. The three-quarter-mile wide tornado traveled approximately 11 miles, completely destroying 300 homes and damaging 600 others.

Approximately 30 percent of community members had no homeowners insurance so the Team is working with local churches and other humanitarian organizations to identify those in greatest need of help in clearing their home sites. The Team is also using a Caterpillar 297 skid steer to clear local city parks so the children in the area have a safe place to play again.

The community of Mena has given our Team members a warm welcome and is offering them food and shelter during their stay. We are truly moved by the sincere appreciation and thankfulness of this community as we help them begin to rebuild their lives.

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In The News

• Tad Skylar Agoglia Makes Top Ten CNN Heroes of 2008

  October 9, 2008

  Tad Agoglia and the First Response Team make the top ten CNN Heroes list. Now it's up to the public to vote this years winner. We welcome your support.

• Hometown Response: Hurricane Ike

  September 14, 2008

  We are in the Greater Houston Area, keenly aware of the sense of overwhelm that has taken hold in our community, and we are already providing progress toward recovery. Our Team is determined to make a sizeable, positive impact here and now, where and when it is needed the most.

• Hovercraft Provided in New Orleans

  September 2, 2008

  Hurricane Gustav threatens Gulf Coast and The City of New Orleans contacts Team with specific equipment needs. The First Response Team requesting Hovercraft for maneuvering through debris-filled floodwater.

• New Orleans Requests First Response Team

  August 31, 2008

  Hurricane Gustav threatens New Orleans and emergency managers call upon Team for equipment support. Pre-positioned outside New Orleans, The Team responds immediately.

• People Magazine Declares Tad Agoglia a 'Hero Among Us'

  June 26, 2008

  People Magazine heralds Tad Agoglia (July 6 issue) for clearing the way for rebuilding to begin in Midwestern communities hit hard by floods and other disasters. (View Article)

• Tad Skylar Agoglia Honored by CNN as American Hero

  June 19, 2008

  In recognition of the free specialized disaster relief self-funded to American communities since May 2007, CNN features Tad Skylar Agoglia in their special report, CNN HEROES: Ordinary People Extraordinary Impact. The feature airs globally on CNN and its affiliated stations June 19-26, 2008.

More news items >