August 18, 2012: Remembering Joplin
A year later, we reflect on the EF-5 tornado that destroyed the city of Joplin, MO killing 130 people, destroying 8,000 homes, thousands of businesses, and the hospital, leaving mile after mile of destruction. The Team assisted in search and rescue operations, cleared debris for a helicopter pad in the field hospital, and helped homeowners begin to recover valuables and belongings. The Team then stayed for 3 months clearing home sites, allowing the people of Joplin to feel one step closer to rebuilding.
August 17, 2012: The Weather Channel follows the First Response Team to Joplin, Missouri
The First Response Team of America responds to Joplin, Missouri where an F5 tornado receded the town to rubble.
August 16, 2012: EF-3 Tornado in West Liberty, Kentucky
The Team nearly gets caught themselves in a tornado when it responds to the small, mountainous town of West Liberty, Kentucky, after an EF-3 tornado struck the heart of downtown main street and destroyed everything needed to operate. But the Team clears roads and debris around the hospital, and uses their light towers so emergency management and first responders can work through the night. Seeing progress and making a difference are what it’s all about as the Team also provides power for the only grocery store and gas station in the area.
August 12, 2012: Pre-Positioning in KY For A Powerful Tornado Outbreak
The Team’s structural collapse training is interrupted when Dr. Forbes calls about a dangerous tornado heading for Kentucky. The team immediately heads west and arrives just 4 hours after an EF-3 tornado destroys the community.
April 15, 2012: Ram teams up with the First Response Team
Watch Tad Agoglia give a history of how he was inspired to start the First Response Team and the equipment the team uses to be there on Day 1 for communities in need. The Team’s new partnership with Ram gives the team exactly what it needs to carry the essentials and get to disasters quickly.
February 28, 2012: EF-5 Tornado destroys Joplin, MO
A historic tornado for the United States destroys Joplin, killing over 130 people and leveling thousands of homes and businesses. The team deployed immediately and helped to set up a temporary hospital, assisted local responders in search and rescue operations, and worked for 3 months clearing home sites for those without insurance.
November 22, 2011: Creating a Respite for Survivors in Haiti
On its first international mission, the First Response Team uses equipment shipped in by barge to clear rubble in the wake of Haiti’s‚ devastating earthquake. CNN Hero Tad Agoglia and his team turn a collapsed church into a safe haven where survivors can go for food, water, tents and medical attention.
November 22, 2011: Protecting the Beauty of the Gulf Coast
Five years after Katrina, Tad Agoglia returns to Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. CNN’s Anderson Cooper follows the First Response Team as they clean up after the oil spill and help people still recovering from the hurricane protect their water, wildlife and livelihoods.
November 22, 2011: Providing Comfort & Closure
After an F4 tornado tears through Ringgold, CNN Hero Tad Agoglia and the First Response Team clear roads, power shelters and help a woman in this small Southern community bury her father and recover priceless memories from his home.
November 16, 2011: EF-4 Tornado hits Ringgold, GA
Working with the local Pete Store in Ringgold, GA, the Team clears roads, clears the cemetery for respectable burials, powers a shelter and works for several weeks clearing home sites for those who lost loved ones, and who are without insurance. Working together, hand in hand as a community, we can make a difference for a better tomorrow.