Organization History
In 2003, Hurricane Isabel left many residents on Virginia’s eastern seaboard without power for weeks, as fallen trees blocked roadways and damaged power lines. Seeing firsthand the far-reaching impact this destruction had upon a community left a lasting impression on Tad Agoglia.
Two years later, in 2005, Disaster Recovery Solutions was formally established to provide contractual debris clean up in the recovery phase of disasters including snowstorms, ice storms, windstorms and tornados.
While providing contractual recovery services, Agoglia began identifying key elements desperately needed by citizens in the wake of natural and manmade disasters. In too many instances communities were left to fend for themselves, even though most of the resources available to local responders—equipment, tools and personnel—were hampered by the disaster.
Agoglia increasingly believed in the need of for immediate disaster response that remains free from bureaucratic constraint. Coming in as a contractor to clean up three to four weeks after a storm—typical of the recovery phase—left Agoglia wondering about the in-between phase. He noticed that the affected communities were in dire need during the lag between the time the storm wrecks havoc and the time the community gains order and stability.
Helping Heroes Be Heroes
In recognition of this need, Agoglia established the Disaster Recovery Solutions First Response Team in May 2007 as a means to provide direct support to local first responders and government officials in the immediate wake of disasters, utilizing the tools, equipment and personnel needed to save lives and restore community stability. The First Response Team brings in the resources municipalities, hospitals, ambulance companies, law enforcement, fire departments and humanitarian organizations need in order to more quickly aid devastated communities.