About Us

Police, fire, and emergency agencies are often overwhelmed in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, making an effective volunteer response crucial. The Disaster Response Team of America was created specifically to address this need. By providing basic disaster-relief services—while supporting the efforts of authorities already on the ground—DRTOA personnel help restore a measure of safety, comfort, and security in a time of considerable uncertainty and upheaval.

About Our Founder

DRTOA founder Robert Fuhr was born and raised in New Jersey, where even as a child he displayed a great aptitude for building and repair. These skills led him to pursue a career in the construction field, where he distinguished himself early on by earning his Master Plumber’s license at the age of 21. Over the years that followed, Fuhr started his own plumbing company and became a successful custom-home builder, working in both New Jersey and, later, South Carolina.

In 2007, after experiencing a period of turmoil in his personal life, Fuhr was inspired to launch the DRTOA. His vision was to use his skills and experience to create a new kind of disaster-assistance organization, one that could react rapidly and provide critical relief services in the aftermath of a crisis.  

“After spending time traveling around the U.S and also serving on international mission teams, I saw the need for a specialized relief organization that could respond to many different types of conditions quickly, without the delays caused by bureaucratic red tape,” says Fuhr. “I wanted the DRTOA to be versatile and able to adapt to the many conditions it would face. After witnessing disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, I knew we could do something to help when many other agencies could not.”

As the DRTOA grows, Fuhr will continue to work with churches and other local groups to cultivate a network of teams from around the country. Each of these teams will have its own area of geographic responsibility and field of expertise, thereby optimizing the organization’s operational flexibility and reducing the time required to respond to crisis situations.

“We hope to become a name people trust and associate with really making a difference,” says Fuhr. “When they donate their time, resources, or money to the DRTOA, they can rest assured it will go directly to those in need. As our organization grows, we hope many others will grow with us as we change people’s lives for the better.”