01/03/2026
Bob Trotter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HELLENIC AMERICAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM RECEIVES DONATED FIRE-RESCUE TRUCK
NAFPAKTOS, GREECE – The Hellenic American Search and Rescue Team is pleased to announce the acceptance of a donated fire-rescue truck from the Federation of Sterea Hellas, Inc. Supreme President John Tsigas believed their funding support would make a “transformative impact on regional safety” and the Federation implemented a fundraising campaign for the purchase and delivery of the fire-rescue truck. Moreover, President Tsigas said the fire-rescue truck is the missing piece for HASRT, it is “the essential vehicle required to deploy the team’s full capabilities and protect thousands of lives and properties”.
The fire-rescue truck is a 1994-1995 Mercedes-Benz SK1224, 4x4, Expedition. It features a double cab with riding positions for 8 firefighters, extensive compartment spaces, a 2400 liter / 660 gallon water tank, 1600 l/m / 423 gpm fire pump, a light tower, and automatic snow/ice chains. HASRT President, Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos said “We are proud to accept this donation from the Federation of Sterea Hellas, Inc”. He went on to say that “This fire-rescue truck will make HASRT widely recognized as one of the most equipped teams throughout Greece”. The truck will carry a complement of equipment for structural fires, wildland fires, automobile extrication, technical rope rescue, water rescue, and hazardous materials.
HASRT Second Vice President Robert Trotter said, “With funding support from the Nafpaktian Brotherhood of New York for shipping costs and numerous donations from Friends of Hellenic Firefighters a USA 501(c)(3) non-profit the fire-rescue-truck will provide for multiple fire service disciplines, with its primary function to help combat the wildland fire problem”. The truck will have quick-attack fire hoses, supply hose for connection to a fire hydrant, a full complement of structural fire tools and equipment, wildland firefighting tools and equipment, tools and equipment for multiple types of specialized rescue operations, and medical emergencies. The truck will soon be fitted with red warning lights, lettering and logos, and all tools and equipment installed ready for full service by May 1, 2026.
ABOUT HASRT
The Hellenic American Search and Rescue Team is a 25-member all-volunteer organization in Nafpaktos, Greece. Nafpaktos is in western Greece on the North coast of the Gulf of Corinth, 217 km NW of Athens, Greece. The Team was formally recognized on July 17, 2019. We are registered as an official organization by the Greek Civil Protection (6YIA46MTΛB-H2ϴ), and we hold a Court announcement and approval as a non-profit organization. The team may be called upon to respond to incidents throughout Greece, but the principal response area covers approximately 27,800 persons over 394/1,020 mi²/km², with response times of up to two hours to mountain villages.
The Team was founded by Dimitrios Kalogeropoulos, President, residing in Nafpaktos, Greece and Robert (Eftychios) Trotter, Second Vice President residing in Franklin, Tennessee USA.
All operational expenses including insurance, tolls, equipment maintenance and fuel are covered by the members of the team, as we do not receive any financial assistance from the City of Nafpaktos, the state, or the country including Civil Protection. All donations help support the services we provide to Nafpaktia and are appreciated.
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