Last fall, Case Construction Equipment asked its dealers to help support a new initiative with Team Rubicon: train more volunteers to operate heavy equipment for its veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during and after disasters and crises. Case dealers responded, according to the company
Earlier this year, the pilot program commenced with RPM Machinery in Franklin, Indiana, and Lawrence Equipment in Roanoke, Virginia. On a monthly basis, these dealers provide machines for Team Rubicon volunteers to train on, an indoor classroom, and outdoor operating space.
“As soon as we heard about the need to help train more heavy equipment operators, we raised our hand,” said Dustin Cole, EVP of Lawrence Equipment, in a statement. “We’re very active in our local communities and want to ensure Virginia is prepared if disaster strikes, as well as help train volunteers to deploy wherever they are needed throughout the U.S. and Canada.”
Team Rubicon’s volunteers, which go by “Greyshirts,” register for the monthly training and learn how to operate compact track loaders and excavators.
“One of the most critical tasks after disasters strike is getting much-needed resources to that area,” said William Porter, director of operations support, Team Rubicon, in a statement. “Our Greyshirts, including sawyers and heavy equipment operators, help clear trees and debris from roads, allowing first responders and survivors to regain access to the community.
“Having more trained heavy equipment operators increases the capacity of Team Rubicon to provide this essential assistance for communities, allowing survivors to move toward the path to recovery,” Porter said.
“One of RPM’s core values is doing the right thing,” said Fred Rohlman, president of RPM Machinery, in a statement. “Supporting Team Rubicon by preparing their Greyshirts to safely and effectively operate machinery is the right thing to do. We signed up right away when Case shared this opportunity.”
This training has been put to use by Team Rubicon in all phases of the disaster cycle across the United States, including wildfire mitigation, hurricane response and long-term storm recovery.
Case and Team Rubicon plan to expand the number of dealers participating in this heavy equipment operator training program in 2024.
Source: Case Construction Equipment
