Donation by Wetaskiwin Fire Services will help Paraguayan fire fighters
A good idea by a Wetaskiwin volunteer fire fighter will mean a great deal of help for his South American counterparts.
Uwe Kurth, a two-year veteran with the Wetaskiwin Fire Services (WFS), suggested donating the City’s used turnout gear (coat, pants and boots) to fire fighters in his native Capiata, Paraguay. The City has responded by sending seven sets of its used gear to the South American city.
Uwe, a volunteer fire fighter in Paraguay before moving to Canada with his family three years ago, remembers responding to calls wearing only overalls as personal protective equipment.
“The need for protective equipment in Paraguay is great,” says Uwe. “I’d like to thank Wetaskiwin Fire Services and the City of Wetaskiwin for making that suggestion a reality.”
Capiata, a city of nearly 250,000 people, is serviced by only one fire department consisting of 40 volunteers. On average this small crew responds to 12 motor vehicle accidents and 1 structural fire every day – and they do it all in overalls.
“The gear can’t be used by WFS volunteers as it no longer meets our industry standards,” explains Merlin Klassen, WFS Chief. “However, compared to the overalls currently being used in the city of Capiata, the turnout gear we donate will have a positive impact on the safety of the Paraguayan fire fighters as they protect their community.”
If you would like to know more about this initiative, or are interested in joining the WFS team, please call 780-361-4429.
