Springfield Clinic announced today it has donated $15,000 to local 477’s Laborers' Disaster Response Team (LDRT) to build and equip a new disaster response trailer. The investment is being made to help expand its capacity and capability to respond to natural disasters in central Illinois.
“Last year’s tornado impacted dozens of families including some of our employees and we learned what a valuable resource the Local Laborers have been to first responders by clearing pathways and opening access during disasters. It was an easy decision to support them given our mission at Springfield Clinic,” said Springfield Clinic Chief Brand and Advocacy Officer Zach Kerker.
The LDRT was formed after two devastating tornados hit Springfield in March of 2006, deploying hundreds of trained laborers to cut through downed trees and power poles providing critical access to emergency vehicles and first responders.
“We are so appreciative of Springfield Clinic for their support of our mission as laborers to be there for our communities in times of need. This donation allowed us to purchase a new, fully stocked trailer with chainsaws and other equipment to help us clear the way for first responders and residents during disasters. This new trailer is more compact which will allow us to mobilize at full strength deeper into the disaster zone,” said Business Manager of Local Laborers 477, Brad Schaive.