Our Founder's Story
Retired FDNY Captain Al Fuentes is the founder and international chair of the Patriot Group organization. During his 26 year career in the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) and 35 plus years in the Emergency Management, Disaster Preparedness & Response & Search & Rescue field, Captain Fuentes responded, in a federal capacity (FEMA), to numerous national and international disasters including the Oklahoma City Bombing (1995).
Captain Fuentes responded to and participated in emergency operations during the terrorist attacks on our country at the World Trade Center Towers in NYC on September 11, 2001. While helping to coordinate the rescue efforts he became a victim himself when he was subsequently buried under the collapse of the North tower.
Captain Fuentes was miraculously found and recovered, but suffered near fatal injuries that required him to undergo a drug induced coma for several weeks with the assistance of a ventilator.
In addition to his physical injuries, Captain Fuentes was dealing with the psychological trauma of the events on 9/11. Haunted by the memories of that day, and while being treated by a psychologist, he was advised to put his feelings and thoughts on paper. This resulted in Captain Fuentes writing his book "American By Choice" (2004).
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Captain Fuentes always considered it his distinct honor to have worked alongside his Brothers. Having personally witnessed the numerous selfless and valiant acts performed by his FDNY comrades that iconic morning, he created and named "The Patriot Group" organization (2004) in loving memory of his "343 FDNY Brothers" that were lost that fateful day.
Due to his multiple injuries, many of them permanent, Captain Fuentes was officially retired from the FDNY with the rank of Battalion Chief in 2003 and has dedicated his personal mission and organization to assist and protect the citizens and first responders of our nation and those around the world.
He has dedicated his 35 plus years in the Emergency Management and Disaster field. He has earned a Master's Degree in Homeland Security Leadership awarded from the University of Connecticut.
From its humble beginnings, The Patriot Group organization has participated in disaster relief efforts across the US and internationally. From Omaha NE to the aftermath of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, to those in need in Yokosuka Japan to the Philippines after the catastrophic devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Captain Fuentes is a recipient of 11 meritorious awards as well as receiving a 9/11 Medal for responding and operating at 9/11 NYC terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. He has been awarded a United States Patent for a "structure monitoring device." Captain Fuentes was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador. He is bi-lingual- English and Spanish.