Firefighters United

Responding to safety issues affecting Nicaraguans, the Firefighters United program unites firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians from Wisconsin with their counterparts in Nicaragua. The exchange of training for emergency personnel began in March 2001 when two Nicaraguan fire chiefs met with their Wisconsin counterparts and visited with fire personnel from throughout Wisconsin at a state convention held in Stevens Point. Since then, donations of firefighting equipment, ambulances, and fire trucks have improved Nicaragua's emergency response teams. In addition, advanced technical training has been provided in both Wisconsin and Nicaragua.

This important Humanitarian Assistance project has been supported through the Denton Program and the Funded Transportation Program, both of which are U.S. government-funded programs that aid humanitarian efforts by non-profit organizations. Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. is grateful to the Wisconsin firefighters who have so generously donated supplies, which then go directly to our partners in Nicaragua.

Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners has been working with the fire departments in Nicaragua since the first fire truck was shipped in 1999.  A close relationship had developed with the Direction General de Bomberos, the government firefighting organization, and their volunteer arm,  the Asociacion Civil Cuerpo de Bomberos Voluntarios de Nicaragua led by Jaime Delgado.

17 fire trucks and 12 ambulances have been shipped to Nicaragua since 1999.  This has been made possible by the Denton Program which allows emergency vehicles to be sent on Air Force Reserve cargo planes as space permits.

In addition to the vehicles, turnout gear, SCBA’s, hose, nozzles, boots, helmets and other firfighting gear has been collected throughout Wisconsin and sent by container under the Funded Transportation Program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  We are always looking for used gear and equipment that is appropriate for Nicaragua.

Firefighter Tour:

An activity in the planning stages would be a firefighter’s tour of Nicaragua to see first hand the challenges and the needs of firefighters in a developing country.  Also it would be a nice time to visit and learn about the country of Nicaragua—one of the safest in Central America.  Please let us know if this would be interesting to you.

For images of the Firetrucks and Ambulances that have been donated, Click Here.

Contact Info:

Brad Martin   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    715 538 2436

Partners Office   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it       715 346 4702