The First Response Team of America - Helping Heroes Be Heroes

LATEST NEWS

Tad Agoglia receives Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service (June 25, 2010)

Tad Agoglia, founder of the First Response Team, was honored in Washington DC this week and presented with the Jefferson Award for Greatest Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Younger. The gala event was held at the National Building Museum where 14 others, including New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker; Goodwill Industries CEO Jim Gibbons; Partners in Health founder Paul Farmer; Oakland Raiders football player Nnamdi Asomugha and Charlotte Bobcats basketball player Tyrus Thomas, were also recognized for their work in public service.

Gulf Coast Oil Spill (May 30, 2010)

The Team deployed to Louisiana on May 30th, 41 days after the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf. What is now the worst oil spill in US history continues to threaten our shores. The Team is working with the National Guard to build dams in several areas of Southern Louisiana. Our work here will be our top priority until this disaster is contained.

Team Responds to Tornado in Alabama (April 28, 2010)

On April 24th, a tornado tore through Yazoo City, Mississippi and many parts of Alabama. The Team deployed to Albertville, Alabama where many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed. The Team will work there as long as it can and help as many people as possible before the next storm strikes the country, which could happen as soon as this weekend.

Record Flooding in Rhode Island (March 31, 2010)

While team members continue to clear home sites in Haiti, the rest of the team has deployed to Rhode Island where record flooding is happening in Cranston, RI. The Team is there with rescue gear and the hovercraft, prepared for the worst. Check back to the website for updates.

See the "Saving Haiti" video online now.

If you were not able to tune into Anderson Cooper for "CNN Heroes: Saving Haiti: An AC360 Special" for coverage on the Team's work in Haiti, please see the link on our media page.

CNN Heroes: Saving Haiti is airing this Weekend

Tune in this weekend to Anderson Cooper for CNN Heroes: Saving Haiti: An AC360 Special for coverage on the Team's work in Haiti. The program airs Friday night at 11pm, Saturday & Sunday at 8pm.

The Team Departs for Haiti on January 26, 2010

The Team is eager to get on the ground and help where we can. We were able to commission a second fleet of equipment, specifically designed for the needs of Haiti. We thank The Pete Store, Towmaster Trailers and Cleveland Brothers Caterpillar for their generous donations of equipment so that we can help where we are needed most.

Please check back to our website, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to stay up-to-date on the Team’s work in Haiti. We look forward to keeping in touch.

The Team Leaves Soon for Haiti (January 16, 2010)

When a 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, the First Response Team of America watched in awe as tens of thousands of people were killed and so many more displaced. The pain, confusion, sadness and despair are beyond what words can explain.

In the days immediately after the quake, the Team struggled with deciding whether or not responding to the needs of Haiti would jeopardize our commitment to respond to disasters in the United States. But at the end of the day, our focus is on humanity. And how could we turn our backs on such an epic disaster, so close to home, that has left a large portion of Haiti wondering if there will ever be another tomorrow. (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.

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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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America's First Response Team

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)