Video: First Response Team of America Comes to Louisville

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LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) – Volunteers are leading the charge in cleaning up debris after the tornado outbreak. It’s a vital step in the recovery process.

Tad Agoglia once made a living using heavy lifting machines like the Backhoe. Now, he travels around the country with the equipment for the non-profit organization, First Response Team of America, that he founded seven years ago.

“We’re coming with volunteers and equipment and first helping the homeowners find what they can salvage. Then after that, taking all the debris and moving it to the road, which is a real vital step. Not only for the families to get what they can to start over with but that clean up is really the first step towards rebuilding,” says Agoglia.

Eiland Avenue is one of the most devastated areas in Louisville. It’s where three people were killed by the twister.

Peggy Hornesburger lost her home but thanks to the First Response Team for removing the debris for free.

“My home was completely demolished and the First Response Team, they called and asked could they clear it up for us and we were so blessed to have them come and do it for us,” says Peggy Hornesbuger.

Lowe’s also partners with the group. The hardware company sends volunteers from Columbus, Philadelphia and Starkville.

“We’re just here to give back to those who participate in our success. There are so many of them out here that have lost everything and they need help out here. So we’re here to help,” says Lucas Frost, Manager of Loews in Starkville.

First Response Team of America says its mission is simple: to reduce the time it takes to get help to those in need.

If you’d like to support the First Response Team, you can go to their website at www.firstresponseteam.org.