Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Ride of the Americas and the power of volunteerism
Dear Brothers of the Pound Ridge Fire Dept-
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador!
Just wanted to drop you guys a line with some news about The Ride of the Americas motorcycle rally we had here this weekend to benefit volunteer firefighters in the towns and villages of Ecuador. As many of you know Call To Fire and The Gear-Up Foundation (founded by Vinny Forres of the South Salem F.D) have combined our efforts to heighten awareness, public interest and material support for the underfunded volunteer fire corps. here in South America. It is an unfortunate fact that our brothers and sisters down here do not receive a fraction of the support and funding their counterparts in the states recieve...still, fire happens and they respond regardless of their lack of protective gear and formal training. It is that level of personal dedication and selflessness that binds us all despite our distance and differences.
Additionally, it should be noted that the pain and loss we experienced in the U.S as a result of the 9-11 attacks was shared by good people of Latin America as well. They speak of tragedy, rebuilding and paying respect to the brave that gave their all that day as if they were directly affect as well. It is clear to me now, that they were affected and understand the need to stay vigilant through involvement and protection of their communities with their own lives if necessary. That is heroism, tangible bravery.
Unfortunately, there are forces in this country working to undermine the work we have done here. The Guayaquil Fire department, the largest in the country, has for political reasons made every effort to debase and taint the reputation of the Foundation. As I understand it, the same family has run the department that oversees the professional and a vast majority of the regional volunteer fire stations for several generations. Their political tentacles run deep and wide here as every business is subject to the very loose interpretation and enforcement of the fire codes mantained by the Guayaquil crew.
For no other reason than they feel their singular control over the regions activities are threatened, they have made the broad-based proclamation that the Foundation, and all that associate themselves with it, are frauds. Something has gone terribly wrong when the people in power remain in power by suppressing grassroots efforts to improve upon a system in need of major improvement. The Guyaquil crew didn't’t think of the program themselves so, despite the good we have done here and needs of their volunteer fire fighters that have been left to languish all these years, we are a rogue operation not to be trusted or supported in any way. Who needs enemies when you have community leaders like that!
Still, despite the odds stacked against the little guys, they rally and show their resilience and strength by doing what they were asked to to do in the first place: to give of themselves for the benefit of others in need, regardless. It was really a special thing to have the people of the remote Andes mountain communities, fishing villages and inner city come out to cheer us on, shake our hands and thank us for our efforts in their country. So much spirit and appreciation, I have little doubt that right will prevail here.
In closing, I wanted to to say I am proud to be a member of the Pound Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. The training, friendship and satisfaction I have received since joining your ranks means a great deal to me. I count myself luck to know my family and community are protected by some of the finest people I have ever worked with.
I’ll see you all come springtime, just in time for parade season...
Your brother,
Xavier L. Rozas
www.calltofire.com
posted by Xavier - RoadWarrior on 11:40 AM
Greetings from Quito, Ecuador!
Just wanted to drop you guys a line with some news about The Ride of the Americas motorcycle rally we had here this weekend to benefit volunteer firefighters in the towns and villages of Ecuador. As many of you know Call To Fire and The Gear-Up Foundation (founded by Vinny Forres of the South Salem F.D) have combined our efforts to heighten awareness, public interest and material support for the underfunded volunteer fire corps. here in South America. It is an unfortunate fact that our brothers and sisters down here do not receive a fraction of the support and funding their counterparts in the states recieve...still, fire happens and they respond regardless of their lack of protective gear and formal training. It is that level of personal dedication and selflessness that binds us all despite our distance and differences.
Additionally, it should be noted that the pain and loss we experienced in the U.S as a result of the 9-11 attacks was shared by good people of Latin America as well. They speak of tragedy, rebuilding and paying respect to the brave that gave their all that day as if they were directly affect as well. It is clear to me now, that they were affected and understand the need to stay vigilant through involvement and protection of their communities with their own lives if necessary. That is heroism, tangible bravery.
Unfortunately, there are forces in this country working to undermine the work we have done here. The Guayaquil Fire department, the largest in the country, has for political reasons made every effort to debase and taint the reputation of the Foundation. As I understand it, the same family has run the department that oversees the professional and a vast majority of the regional volunteer fire stations for several generations. Their political tentacles run deep and wide here as every business is subject to the very loose interpretation and enforcement of the fire codes mantained by the Guayaquil crew.
For no other reason than they feel their singular control over the regions activities are threatened, they have made the broad-based proclamation that the Foundation, and all that associate themselves with it, are frauds. Something has gone terribly wrong when the people in power remain in power by suppressing grassroots efforts to improve upon a system in need of major improvement. The Guyaquil crew didn't’t think of the program themselves so, despite the good we have done here and needs of their volunteer fire fighters that have been left to languish all these years, we are a rogue operation not to be trusted or supported in any way. Who needs enemies when you have community leaders like that!
Still, despite the odds stacked against the little guys, they rally and show their resilience and strength by doing what they were asked to to do in the first place: to give of themselves for the benefit of others in need, regardless. It was really a special thing to have the people of the remote Andes mountain communities, fishing villages and inner city come out to cheer us on, shake our hands and thank us for our efforts in their country. So much spirit and appreciation, I have little doubt that right will prevail here.
In closing, I wanted to to say I am proud to be a member of the Pound Ridge Volunteer Fire Department. The training, friendship and satisfaction I have received since joining your ranks means a great deal to me. I count myself luck to know my family and community are protected by some of the finest people I have ever worked with.
I’ll see you all come springtime, just in time for parade season...
Your brother,
Xavier L. Rozas
www.calltofire.com
posted by Xavier - RoadWarrior on 11:40 AM
