Tad Agoglia was selected as a Top Ten Hero in the 2008 CNN Heroes for his work with his company The First Response Team of America; a self-funded, nonprofit, cleanup crew consisting of four members that provides immediate, emergency aid to areas hit by disasters.

Tad’s website is clear with its goals clearly defined under the title  “Helping Heroes Be Heroes”:

Disaster Recovery Solutions First Response Team was set up 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 that municipalities, hospitals, ambulance companies, law enforcement, fire departments and humanitarian organizations need in order to more quickly aid devastated communities.

This mission was prompted by observing the lag in assistance due to bureaucratic constraints. This lag created too many instances where communities were “left to fend for themselves”, despite the distinct lack of resources available in the aftermath of a disaster.

"So much of America's good will and heart is really Americans reaching out to our fellow men and women in what could be their greatest hour of need." - Tad Agoglia.

Submitted by: Kit Bennett