In the Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Delta Optimist the following story was published:

The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has partnered with firefighters from Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, donating $2,500 to help cover the cost of shipping three fire engines to the fire service of El Salvador, as part of the Engines for El Salvador project.

El Salvador is a country of 6.5 million people currently served by 375 firefighters. In comparison, B.C., with a population of just over four million, is served by 3,500 professional firefighters.

The hope is this donation will allow the El Salvadoran firefighters to expand their range of services, and increase their ability to provide fire/rescue and medical response.

There will be an official handover ceremony at Vancouver City Hall on Jan. 14. Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan and Vancouver fire chief Ray Holdgate will present the three fire engines to the El Salvadoran consulate general during this ceremony.

© The Delta Optimist 2007