California Fire Chiefs Association
On October 21, 2006 Fire Chief James R. Monty of the Lathrop-Manteca fire department handed over a recently retired 1980 Van Pelt engine to the Tecate, BC Mexico Fire Department. Brought together through an organization of firefighters and emergency workers called Firefighters Crossing borders based in Washington State, the much needed donation to the firefighters in Tecate, BC was greatly appreciated.
Chief Chet Smith of Lathrop-Manteca FD contacted Firefighters Crossing Borders through our web site www.firefighterscrossingborders.org, with an engine recently removed from service. Knowing that we are always looking for donations, he offered their engine. We actively work with several (in need) fire departments and emergency medical agencies in Mexico and we determined that Tecate, BC Fire Department was in most need for this type of apparatus. Chief Smith was great to work with and arranged for the engine to be road worthy for the crew of Mexican firefighters that came to pick it up at their station.
Tecate Fire Chief Cesar Vitela came with a crew, including Ret. Captain Franco Soliz –a Firefighters Crossing Borders member, to pick up and drive the engine back to Tecate. We at Firefighters Crossing Borders wish to extend a grateful thanks to the members of the Lathrop- Manteca Fire Department for extending their generosity and joining us in helping fellow firefighters across our border.
