Shipping
We are indebted to the Army and Air National Guards for managing the shipping of the fire and ambulance vehicles to Nicaragua. Without their participation this program would be impossible. So far 38 fire trucks and 26 ambulances have been sent to Nicaragua. Nicaragua, though one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere, it is rich in hard working people who take pride in their beautiful country. Nowhere is this more evident than in the firefighters who work with minimal equipment. Fortunately, this is changing thanks to the generosity of Wisconsin firefighters and their donations of equipment and supplies.
Firefighters United
“Firefighters United” has brought together Wisconsin and Nicaraguan firefighters in a very unique way by moving equipment where it is needed most. W/NP began to ship fire trucks and ambulances to Nicaragua in 2000, and soon firefighters in both countries began to join in the activities. An average of three or more emergency vehicles are shipped each year, as well as firefighter coats, boots, helmets, air packs, hoses and other necessary equipment. 35 fire trucks and 24 ambulances with a value of more than $1,000,000 have been shipped via the Denton Program which transports the vehicles on Air Force cargo planes. Our most successful projects occur when there are committed people on both ends, in this case Dr. Brad Martin who facilitates the gathering of EMS donations and vehicles in Wisconsin, and in Nicaragua, Comandante Jaime Delgado, Asociación Civil Cuerpo de Bombero Voluntarios de Nicaragua, who coordinates the incoming vehicle shipments and identifies locations of greatest need.
Firefighters Tour
A tour of the firefighting facilities in Nicaragua is being planned. If you are interested in seeing the challenges in Nicaragua and the beauty of the country please let us know. It is one of the safest countries in Central America to visit.