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| Founder and CEO Scott Lamaster (left) with Kerry Fulton of Taking It To The Streets of Greenwood, MO |
A much needed resource was on hand as the Adrian Fire Department and other first responders battled a house fire on N. Houston street Friday afternoon while the Taking It To The Streets crew worked behind the scenes to help those who were busy helping others
When there is an emergency response such as a structure fire or other disaster, we see those on the front lines battling the blaze, doing triage and even rescues however, it's what we don't actively see that helps insure that the needs of everyone on scene are met- and that's where the Taking It To The Streets crews step in.
The organization hails from Greenwood, Mo. and head out on a moment's notice to provide firefighters, police and other first responders much needed 'extras' such as hydration, snacks and even a restroom, according to Scott Lamaster, founder and CEO of Taking It To The Streets.
"A lot of folks don't realize the implications of what happens behind the scenes" he said. "For example, there are a lot of situations that happen in rural areas where a restroom might be some distance away. That's one of the many services we offer."
As in the case of the fire in Adrian, Lamaster received a call from the Bates County Sheriff's Office requesting their presence and he, with partner Kerry Fulton made the fast trek south in one of their mobile units, a former ambulance outfitted with everything needed.
Lamaster and Fulton both come from corporate/financial backgrounds and have used their business savvy to keep their not-for-profit organization running smoothly while providing this much needed resource. In all, they oversee the implementation and operation of two command vehicles and several trailers that are used depending on the situation.
"It's a personal thing for me" added Lamaster who decided to organize Taking It To The Streets following the loss of his brother who was killed in the line of duty. "It's our mission. And very fulfilling to see that we can help others when they need it."
And it appears their mission extends even beyond overseeing the 200 or so volunteers in their organization as the group regularly prepares Christmas meals for first responders and other charitable contributions. To date, they've helped provide over 40,000 meals and show no signs of slowing down.
While Taking It To The Streets primarily stays within a few hundred miles of Greenwood, it's not out of the ordinary to go even further, such as Houston TX following the most recent hurricane to assist with FEMA operations.
"We're ready to go wherever we're needed" said Lamaster "Any time, any place."
Taking It To The Streets was organized in 2002 and became organized as a not-for-profit in 2012; donations are greatly welcomed and will help insure Lamaster and Fulton can continue to fill the void.
"Our mission is to bring hope, help, and healing to those in need with the goal to equip people to serve in their communities in order to make a positive impact for generations to come" according to the mission statement on their website https://2thestreets.org/ where you'll find more information on how to donate along with other pertinent information.
Adrian Fire Chief Gary Dizney extended kudos to Lamaster and Fulton while offering a sincere "Thank you" as the Houston street fire presented several unforeseen challenges that required additional time on site.
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