Ladder Truck for Los Mochis

Two Firefighters Crossing Borders instructors arrived home safely from their recent mission to the city of Los Mochis, Sinaloa to conduct training for a newly ladder truck, the first for that department.

In 2015 the 1986 Sutphen aerial was purchased from Graham Fire and Rescue outside of Tacoma, WA. With the assistance of Firefighters Crossing Borders the vehicle was purchased and transported to the border where it underwent extensive repairs. The work was carried out by members of the Phoenix Fire Department repair facility and a local hydraulic repair shop, with the majority of the labor and materials being donated, almost 100%.

In October of 2015 FFCB instructor Ray Garcia of Phoenix FD brought the initial request to fellow firefighters and mechanics who then ran with the project. For months, two of the key members of the project Tim Cordon and Tony Zuccarilo along with other mechanics worked tirelessly on needed repairs to bring the aerial to full functionality.

By July of this year, the team had completed 32 different repairs, including rebuilding of the massive hydraulic struts which raise and lower the aerial platform, a process that began in October 2015 had now come to completion.

Regional Representative Jordan Pollack invited the two who were so instrumental in bringing the truck to full functionality to fly south and conduct initial training. Having extensive knowledge of each and every part of the vehicle and it's operations coupled with their respective background in aerial operations and training of such, it was the perfect union.

In September Tim and Tony flew to Los Mochis and conducted training for members of that fire department on the truck. The training included mechanical orientation and vehicle checks, aerial operations, driving, and more. Over three days the two had an opportunity to not only conduct training but develop a trust and bond between firefighters from two countries.