GEAR FOR THE BRAVE -- A non-profit organization --

WELCOME STATEMENT

Would your organization be willing to become a part of a great crusade to assist volunteer firefighting departments in Ecuador, South America? I am originally from Ecuador, and having had the need to visit my native country recently, I had the chance to see how fortunate I am to have my firefighter career in America. Firefighters in Ecuador, mostly volunteers, do not have this same type of fortune. The majority of their gear is old equipment donated from companies that have on-site firefighters, or purchased with their own money from surplus stores. I had a chance to see and inspect some of this equipment. The majority of it would not meet NFPA standards. The few extrication tools they do possess, are home-made and sub-standard. Their training is hasty and poor, and they are not even trained to a First Responder level. I have made a commitment to devote the rest of my career to help my firefighter brothers in Ecuador, particularly in my hometown of Guayaquil. I do so with the hope that they can continue saving lives, while keeping their own. I am sure, with your support, they will help make a difference to those in need hundreds of miles away. Jimmy 'Ben' Benalcazar, Firefighter/EMT - Dekalb County, Georgia