The one-year anniversary of the tornado that devastated Joplin, Missouri, has come and gone, but communities are still learning lessons from the storm. The first responders who picked up the pieces after the destruction recently stopped by St. Joseph, Missouri, to tell others of their experience in an effort to prepare them should a disaster of that magnitude strike again, ABC affiliate KQTV reports.
Among those who spoke was Lt. Darren Gallup, who was put in charge of directing law enforcement after the tornado struck. He helped organize his emergency crews and told volunteers how to help. He has been praised for his work ever since and hopes others can learn from his experience.
"[They need to] understand the need for training and the need to work together. When we have these exercises, understand how important these are," he told the news channel.
Gallup offered tips on topics ranging from maintaining communication to coping with the victims' emotional stress. This is not the first time the Joplin first responders have offered advice. Last year, they traveled to nearby Nebraska where they spoke to more than 400 emergency workers from 21 states, NBC affiliate WOWT reports.