Ship a Fire truck to Nicaragua

Ship a 24 foot pumper tanker to benefit the Associacion Civil Cuerpo de Bomberos Voluntarios de Nicaragua - donated by Chesley and Area Fire Department. Approximate shipping cost $10,000 to $12,000.

Situation

Nicaraguan fire stations are present in every city throughout the country. Most stations are staffed almost 100% by unpaid volunteers except for administrative staff. These volunteers work in shifts 24hrs a day with no compensation. Every station receives minimal government funding that drastically falls short in all areas of operation. The constant degradation of bunker gear, apparatus, paramedical equipment and rescue gear is always a challenge. It is common for trucks to be sidelined due to a shortfall of money to purchase fuel. Even minor repairs that would be done with ease in Canada are a challenge in Nicaragua.

The struggle for the Nicaraguan Bomberos (Spanish for firefighter) is the result of minimal funding, past internal conflict and natural disasters.

As a result of its past Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere behind Haiti. Surprisingly Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Central and South America, which provides for a welcoming climate to delivet international aid.

Support

The vast majority of apparatus, equipment and training for Nicaragua bomberos comes from external sources. Canada and the United States lead the way with improving the fire service infrastructure across the country. Many organizations have been involved in Nicaragua from Canada, most notably Operation Nicaragua from Kamloops.

Any contribution to the efforts of the bomberos has a direct influence on the safety of the volunteers and citizens.

Associations

Andy Evans is a police sergeant with the Saugeen Shores Police Service. He and his family have been involved with several projects with the Nicaraguan Bomberos. He has been involved with many Operations Nicaragua projects and led a GlobalFire deployment. Andy had been honoured with the title of Honorary Fire Chief of the Chinandega station, by Commandante Dr. Palma.

The Nicaraguan Volunteer Fire Fighters are some of the most dedicated emergency workers in the world. They are selfless in service and highly deserving and appreciative of any support that assists them in making their home a safer place.