How did FDNY DART begin operation?
In September of 1989, a devastating hurricane hit Puerto Rico and the South Carolina coast. An urgent call for volunteers went out from the American Red Cross in Greater New York and the New York City Fire Department responded. Eighteen firefighters volunteered, were trained and then sent to Puerto Rico in November where they provided much needed relief. Since that first response, the D.A.R.T. members have responded to major disasters in New York City (New York Coastal Storm, the New York City World Trade Center Explosion and the New York City Blizzard) and national disasters Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Iniki, the Midwest Floods, the Los Angeles Earthquake (where they were called Guardian Angels), the Houston Floods and the Northern California Floods, and the TWA Flight 800 Air Disaster. The D.A.R.T. members, who now number over 100, are requested for major disasters due to their expertise and outstanding service to the victims of these devastating disasters. D.A.R.T. has made an incre
