Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Launches Disaster Area Response Team (DART)
- kevinfopmn
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
When disaster strikes, Minnesota's first responders are there for all of us. Now it's our turn to be there for them.
The Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police is proud to announce the launch of the Minnesota FOP Disaster Area Response Team (DART)—a new volunteer initiative dedicated to providing assistance to communities and first responders during times of crisis.
Across the country, FOP DART teams have demonstrated the power of organized volunteer response by delivering critical resources, logistical support, and compassionate assistance following natural disasters and line-of-duty tragedies. We believe Minnesota deserves the same capability.
What is DART?
The Disaster Area Response Team is designed to provide rapid support when communities and first responders face extraordinary challenges. Our volunteers will be trained and equipped to assist during a variety of incidents, including:
Tornadoes and severe weather
Wildfires
Flooding
Large-scale natural disasters
Line-of-duty deaths
Catastrophic injuries to law enforcement officers
Critical incidents involving firefighters and EMS personnel
Other emergencies where first responders and their families need immediate support
While emergency responders focus on protecting lives and restoring order, DART volunteers will help provide logistical support, essential supplies, rehabilitation resources, and assistance to responders, families, and affected communities.
Supporting All First Responders
Although the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police represents law enforcement professionals, our mission through DART extends beyond policing.
Disasters do not discriminate, and neither will our response.
Our team will stand beside law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, dispatchers, and the communities they serve whenever possible. We believe that supporting one another during difficult times strengthens the entire public safety community.
Building Minnesota's Response Capability
Launching a statewide disaster response team requires planning, equipment, training, and dedicated volunteers.
Funds raised through our campaign will help purchase and maintain critical resources, including:
Disaster response trailer and equipment
Communications equipment
Safety equipment and personal protective gear
Lighting and power generation
Shelter and rehabilitation supplies
Food, water, and emergency provisions
Equipment for volunteer deployment and logistics
Every contribution helps us build a sustainable response capability that can be mobilized anywhere in Minnesota when disaster strikes.
Why This Matters
Natural disasters can overwhelm communities with little warning. At the same time, first responders sometimes experience unimaginable tragedies, including serious injuries or line-of-duty deaths.
When those moments occur, they should never face them alone.
The Minnesota FOP believes preparation is the key to effective response. Rather than waiting until the next disaster occurs, we are building the resources and volunteer network today so we are ready tomorrow.
How You Can Help
Whether you're a first responder, a business owner, or simply someone who believes in supporting those who serve, you can help make this vision a reality.
Every donation directly supports the development of Minnesota's FOP Disaster Area Response Team and helps ensure we're prepared before the next emergency—not after.
Support the Minnesota FOP DART GoFundMe today:
Together, we can build a response team that will stand beside Minnesota's communities and first responders when they need it most.
Minnesota Fraternal Order of PoliceDisaster Area Response Team (DART)
Prepared. Compassionate. Ready to Serve.
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