Currently we are planning a training trip to Culiacan. Last year we delivered a ladder truck and want to return to continue the training and get them to the next level. We hear they have used it several times and are in need of additional training. We are working on several renown instructors to help with this and hope to put together a team of 4 or 5.

We are beginning our plans for our 2008 Driving trip to tecate and are beginning the process to be able to provide several days of quality training. We have thrown around ideas for a conference style event that would be able to bring in ffs from around the area.

If you are interested or have experience in developing these types, or have lesson plans to the effect please email Joel to offer assistance. Thanks and we hope to be getting our newsletter out soon.

Jose Lopez who’s family owns a local Restaurant called El Publito in downtown Gig Harbor, Wa is behind the group that came together some months ago to start a fire department in his childhood town of Ayutla near Guadalajara in Mexico. Some months ago He had the idea and through mutual Firefighter friends he brought the Executive Director of Firefighters crossing borders.org, Joel Schwarz and President of Tapfire.org  Paul Wright together to begin the process for starting this department. Both Tapfire.org and our own organization ffcb have history and experience with departments in mexico. We were a good combination and over the next few months worked through Jose with his governmental contacts and has prepared the infrastructure needed to take the next step.

With other help from Crime Stopper of Wa, An engine, Ambulance and several staff cars were able to be purchased with money raised through Jose’s Restaurant. A second engine is in the process of being donated. Both Tapfire and FFCB will be donating most of the equipment and protective clothing needed to begin operations. What is not available will be purchased and taken down with the apparatus in September.

Thats right Jose is not wasting any time. He has assembled a group of friends, restaurant patrons and himself to drive the above apparatus from Gig Harbor to Ayutla some 3000 miles.

Training will take place in January and will be coordindated by Paul Wright from Tapfire. Paul will be putting together a group of instructors to put on a 10 day academy. If you are interested in coming to help email me and I will forward to Paul.