Case, McKeel Equipment assist in Kentucky tornado cleanup

Case Construction Equipment and McKeel Equipment, a Case dealer headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky, partnered to support Team Rubicon’s efforts aiding communities affected by the tornadoes that passed through Kentucky in December.

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster response organization that aims to use the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams across the U.S. Team Rubicon targets those impacted by disasters and humanitarian crises.

The organization has been working in Kentucky since the tornadoes occurred, deploying four heavy equipment teams along with more than 80 volunteers in Mayfield and Dawson Springs, Kentucky, according to Case. The organization recently concluded its operations in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The initial priority for Team Rubicon, at the request of county emergency managers, was route clearance and removal of debris from properties with compact track loaders and grapple buckets. Case and McKeel Equipment are supplying equipment to assist in these efforts.

According to Case, Team Rubicon plans to remain in the area into February to continue with debris removal, demolition work, tree removal and other volunteer work.

“Team Rubicon has responded with a massive wave of volunteers and resources to help these communities to begin the rebuilding process,” says Terry Dolan, vice president of North America at Case. “Our partners at McKeel have felt the impact of these storms firsthand, and we’re proud to work together to assist Team Rubicon in cleanup efforts that provide homeowners relief and support as the recovery continues.”

Case first partnered with Team Rubicon in 2015 to develop a heavy equipment training program for its volunteers for the safe and effective use of construction equipment in disaster operations.