Interim President

 

nal Association of Hispanic Fire Fighters (NAHFF) announced the appointment of George “Ricco” Diaz of New York City as the Interim President. Diaz comes to the NAHFF’s top job from his position as Northeast Regional Vice President. Diaz will be the seventh National President in the NAHFF’s twenty-seven-year history.

“Ricco Diaz is among the best and brightest of our association,” stated Ed Davis, NAHFF Treasurer.

“Ricco knows how to work with our local associations on issues of concern.  He listens.  He understands and supports our local associations,” explained Gustavo Gonzalez, NAHFF’s Western Regional Vice President.

Founded in 1995, NAHFF is the voice of the fire service and the National Latino community.  NAHFF is part of the national first responder community dedicated to saving lives and property.

Past President, Sal Morales, NAHF Founding President

Sal Morales Returns to Lead the NAHF

Sal Morales, NAHF Founding President, was elected by acclamation at the 2013 National NAHF Conference held in Dallas Texas.  “I want to thank all the delegates who support my candidacy.  I think it is very important that Hispanic Firefighters have a voice at the table with all National Fire Service Organizations.”  When asked about is initial plans after taking office Morales responded, “My first object is to contact and listen to our membership from across the country.  I want to know how the NAHF can best service its members and chapters.  I feel listening and discussing the future of the NAHF is my critical first step forging a new direction for NAHF.  In addition, I continue to be optimistic about the future of NAHF.  I think there is much we do for both firefighters and community.  I invite you to join us as we build a new future.”

To contact Sal Morales: If your chapter is having an event, and you feel it would be appropriate for Sal to speak on the future of the NAHF, then please email him at president@NAHF.org. Or, you can contact him by phone by calling 682.498.FIRE (3473).

Link: http://www.nahf.org/members/

SEPTEMBER 11 2001

Hispanic Firefighters and E.M.S. Society of Hudson County.

About a year ago, officials from the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue received a plea from the

Jose Cruz, a Jersey City fire captain and the president for the Hispanic Society, reached out to the NHRFR with an interesting request.

"Jose said that he had family back in the Dominican Republic and found out that there was a town there that had absolutely no fire equipment," said Jeff Welz, the co-director for the NHRFR. "I mean, they had absolutely nothing. Since we had regionalized, we had found some gear that had become obsolete. So Jose asked if we had any equipment that we could donate to their cause. Anything we could give them would be better than what they had, which was nothing."

Tenares, in the Dominican Republic, is a very small community where the residents try their best to fight fires on their own. It's usually a futile attempt because of the lack of quality equipment.

"We found some gear that was not being used by the regional," Welz said. "We were told that they were going to be able to put the equipment to use."

Co-director Michael Deorio said that it took about two or three months to collect the equipment and sort out what could be useful to the Dominican fire department.

"We found helmets, boots, fire jackets, Turnout coats and pants, some old breathing masks," Deorio said. "We were happy that they were going to go to good use."

Welz said that the NHRFR also found Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus devices, also known as Scott Packs, which could be useful to the firefighters of Tenares. The Jersey City Fire Department, where Cruz works, also chipped in and donated two Scott Packs for the cause.

"What we take for granted here is far reaching for them," said Cruz.

The Hispanic Society collected the equipment and shipped it to the Dominican Republic.

Recently, Vincent Reinoso, the captain of the Tenares Fire Department, paid a visit to the NHRFR to show his appreciation. Reinoso presented a Tenares firefighter's helmet to the NHRFR officials and presented plaques of appreciation to Deorio, Welz and Cruz for their efforts.

"We try to do all we can to help another firefighter, even in another country such as the Dominican Republic," Welz said. "No matter what language they speak, firefighters are all the same. We bonded right away. It shows that we all have the same purpose, to save lives. It meant so much to them that they came up here on their own and took the time to say thank you. It was really rewarding."

While visiting, Reinoso told the NHRFR officials that the donated equipment already had its benefits. The Tenares fire department used the equipment while fighting a Christmas fire and two young lives were saved.

"It always feels good when we're able to save lives," Welz said. "Even if it is in another country. I never knew it would mean so much, but the fire captain said that the equipment was the reason why they were able to save those two small children from a burning house. Without the equipment, they would have never been able to enter the burning home. It was quite a refreshing experience and definitely a touching one."

"If they didn't have the breathing tanks to fight the fire, those kids would have perished," added Cruz.

Reinoso expressed his gratitude.

"Everybody is praying for this organization," he said.

Deorio said that plans are in the making to continue to donate equipment.

"In the future, any time we have equipment that we might see as obsolete, we're going to make calls to the people in the Dominican Republic," Deorio said. "And we're open to other organizations as well. We're going to keep in contact and make it an ongoing program. We also may reach out to other communities, to see if they are willing to donate."

As a follow-up to the donation, Cruz, NHRFR firefighter Rafael Peralta and other representatives from the Hispanic Firefighters and EMS Society will travel to Tenares in April to give equipment training to the Dominican firefighters.

"It really is a good feeling that the equipment went to good use and it went to save lives," Deorio said. "That doesn't happen very often."

Any communities or individuals wishing to make equipment or monetary donations may call (908) 351-8995. All donations are tax deductible.

Read more: Hudson Reporter - A chance to give back Regional donates equipment to Dominican fire department.

http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/full_stories_home/2369102/article-A-chance-to-give-back-Regional-donates-equipment-to-Dominican-fire-department

Convention/Conference (Conferencia anual 2011)

www.nahf.org

President Obama Visit Fire Dept. 54 NY

U.S. Presidente Barack Obama arrived in New York to lay a wreath at Ground Zero, as he sought to comfort those loved ones perished in the devastanting Sept.11 attacks
Presidente Barack Obama Visitó el destacemento 54 de NY en memoración de la zona 0 del 9 11.

http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110505/obama-new-york-visit-110505/20110505/?hub=OttawaHome

VARIOS CUARTELES DE LA REPUBLICA DOMINICANA RECIBEN ENTRENAMIENTO

EL CUARTEL DE SANTO DOMINGO NORTE Y VARIOS DESTACAMENTOS RECIBEN ENTRENAMIENTO DE LOS BOMBEROS DE USA. Durante los dias 22, 23 y 24 del mes de marzo varios cuarteles de La Republica Dominicana recibieron entrenemientos por parte de la Sociedad de Bomberos de New Jersey, Fundacion 911 y Fundacion Pro-Ayuda Bomberos Santo Domingo Este. La actidad se realizo en el cuartel General de los Bomberos de Santo Domingo Norte quienes dieron las facilidades del cuartel, equipamiento y logistica en general. El Intendente general, coronel C.B. Julio Gonzales Cespedes agradecio al entrenador Jose Cruz y a todo su equipos los entrenamiento. De su parte la Fundacion 911 agradecieron la asistencia de los participantes y motivo a los bomberos a compartir las experiencas adquiridas. Los Bomberos de New Jersey entregaron uniformes usados de combate a cada destacamento participante. En la ultima foto el Coronel C.B. Julio Gonzales con el equipo de entrenamiento y de las demas fundaciones.

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF SANTO DOMINGO NORTH AND FIREFIGHTERS RECEIVE TRAINING FROM USA. During the days 22, 23 and March 24 of several quarters of the Dominican Republic received basic training by the Fire Fundation of New Jersey, 911 Fundacion and Fundacion Pro-Ayuda Fire Santo Domingo. The activities was development in the headquarters of the Santo Domingo North FIre Department who gave the barracks facilities, equipment and general logistics. The Chief colonel C.B. Cespedes Julio Gonzales thanked coach Jose Cruz and his team's workout. Foundation For his part acknowledged the assistance of 911 participants and why the fire department to share Experiences acquired. New Jersey Firefighters danate use combat uniforms to diferent fire department participant of the traning. In the last picture Colonel C.B. Julio Gonzales with the teach team.

FROM GUATEMALA

Guatemala, .- Two houses partially destroyed, 50 flooded homes, swept away five vehicles and heavy agricultural losses are part of the damage left by the rains of the last hours in Malacatancito, Huehuetenango. Leandro Lopez, departmental delegate of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction Conrad reported that it has completed the final tally of damage, however, births, water pipes are completely destroyed, and several bridges were damaged in its structure. The relief corps reported that several families were left destitute because their belongings were washed away by rain. Moreover, lack of electrical service and there is a bleak picture as strong winds ripped the roofs of several homes. Irene Hidalgo Malacatancito municipal mayor, said he is worried mainly about the lack of piped water, because the currents destroyed the plumbing and no electricity. Cácun. The outlook is bleak and frustrating because the floods left damage to homes and crops were lost, "said Hidalgo. Testimonials Emilio Ramos, one of the victims said the current caught them by surprise "when we returned from the graduation ceremony of my son only found debris, a pick and a van were in the river, thank God we were not and that saved our lives "described. He asserted that in winter has always had floods in the village of San Ramon, but now with the lack of rain did not imagine that the rain that fell last night would make a very strong currents. Anchor Floridalma narrated that he was preparing dinner when a gust of wind lifted the roof of his house. "The storm was strong all we did was pray," she said. He described that beds, TV and wet clothes, kitchen utensils flew with the wind, blades and wood was destroyed by the wind "We need urgent help because we are poor," he said. The affected water supplies and demand, having lost all their food and belongings. The delegate of Conrad and coordinations are made with the institutions of government to work to restore services and help the victims.

UN EJEMPLO

6 Marzo 2010, 8:34 PM

Ejemplo

Oscar Rodríguez, de 11 años habla con la paramédico Gila River, en su cama del Centro Médico Maricopa, en Phoenix, ayer en la tarde. El niño era pasajero de un autobús que sufrió un accidente en la interestatal 10 y pese a resultar herido, no permitió que lo evacuaran para poder ayudar a los paramédicos traduciéndole a los pasajeros heridos que no hablaban inglés. Los paramédicos en reconocimiento le regalaron una chaqueta de bombero y un certificado. AP

http://www.elnacional.com.do/nacional/2010/3/6/41799/Ejemplo

BACK TO HOME AFTER DISASTER / Regreso de los Bomberos de USA

Regresa equipo Bomberos Unidos tras sacar de escombros con vida a 2 personas

El presidente de BUSF, Angel García, reconocía en Barajas que el equipo vuelve muy satisfecho del trabajo realizado, pero teniendo claro que esto es "sólo un punto y seguido, ya que son miles las familias que se han quedado en unas circunstancias muy extremas y hay que seguir ayudando". Por ello, en la zona permanece una veintena de miembros de BUSF, que participan junto a sanitarios de Estados Unidos en labores médicas de emergencia en el Hospital General de Puerto Príncipe, además de desarrollar misiones de potabilización del agua. García tiene claro que los "los dos rescates permanecerán toda la vida en nuestra memoria. Han sido dos maniobras muy exigentes, en circunstancias muy extremas, pero con un final feliz". Por ello, no puede olvidar la frase que Nadine Cardozo, una mujer propietaria de un hotel en Puerto Príncipe, les dedicó cuando la sacaron con vida de entre los escombros. En estas operaciones juegan un papel muy importante los perros, como explica Antonio Rodríguez, responsable de la emergencia de Haití, que recuerda que estos animales son determinantes para localizar los puntos de acceso seguros y más rápidos". "Gran parte de las personas que se han salvado en los primeros momentos ha sido por el trabajo de los perros", explicaba en Barajas mientras los tres canes con los que han trabajado en Haití corrían y se recuperaban de las horas que han pasado encerrados en las jaulas dentro del avión, en un viaje que les "ha alterado".
Tanto García como Rodríguez han coincidido en destacar que han desarrollado su trabajo sin ningún tipo de impedimento, hecho en el que ha influido que BUSF tenga una red iberoamericana.
"Desde el primer momento que llegamos todo estaba perfectamente coordinado y nos dijeron donde dirigirnos para que nuestro trabajo fuera lo más efectivo posible".
Además, han alabado la actitud del pueblo haitiano, que, han dicho, está "dando ejemplo de saber estar" y han asegurado que se han movido mucho por Puerto Príncipe sin problemas, mientras pedían que no se olvide a esta población, que sigue viviendo en una situación muy lamentable.
El equipo de ocho personas de BUSF que ha regresado hoy a Madrid está formado por dos madrileños, dos cordobeses y cuatro onubenses, y viajó a Haití a las pocas horas del sismo. EFE

http://www.abc.es/agencias/noticia.asp?noticia=245969

BOMBEROS DE TENERIFE ESTAN EN HAITI

Los bomberos de Tenerife ya están en Haití

El efectivo del Consorcio de Bomberos de Tenerife que partió este miércoles a Haití para ayudar en las labores de rescate tras el terremoto de 7,3 grados de magnitud en la escala Richter que ha asolado el país, ya se encuentra en el país desde las 09.00 horas de esta mañana (05.00 de la mañana hora local). El contingente de nueve miembros de Bomberos Sin Fronteras (BSF) desplazado al país caribeño cuenta con dos perros guía, dos sanitarios y cinco rescatadores, que participarán en las labores localización de víctimas y se pondrán a las órdenes de las autoridades locales para ayudar en todo aquello que puedan aportar. Una vez en la capital, se pondrán en contacto con la coordinadora de desastres que esté canalizando las ayudas, para que les asignen la zona de actuación que consideren más oportuna. El efectivo llegó sobre las 05.00 horas (hora local) a Santo Domingo y en estos momentos se desplazan a la capital del país, Puerto Príncipe, donde se ha localizado el epicentro del terremoto que ha producido miles de muertos. Según comunican los portavoces del contingente de Bomberos, han tenido que ser escoltados debido a la notable inseguridad que se vive. Además, dicen que el país “está levantado” y los accesos a Puerto Príncipe y las fronteras son muy difíciles, así como las comunicaciones con España y el resto del mundo.

More Images From Haiti

LA County firefighters heading for Haiti

LA County firefighters heading for Haiti

A Los Angeles County Fire Department urban search and rescue team was mobilizing today to travel to Haiti in the aftermath of the magnitude-7 earthquake that rocked the Caribbean island nation. Commanders of the 72-member team received a request Tuesday from the U.S. Agency for International Development and were staging at the Urban Search and Rescue facility at 12605 Osborne St. in Pacoima. Team members were waiting this morning for the order to deploy, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Inspector Frederic Stowers. "If we are deployed these guys are going over there to be self- sufficient," Stowers said, speaking by telephone this morning from Pacoima. "They'll be working together. If necessary, they'll coordinate with members of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti for translators. But these guys are trained to be self-reliant."

French is the dominant language in Haiti. No French speakers had been identified early today on the county's urban search-and-rescue team but the potential language barrier was the least of squad members' concerns, Stowers said. Firefighters were waiting to learn whether they will fly by commercial or military transport, which will determine
whether they depart from Los Angeles International Airport or March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, a camera crew reported from Pacoima. A departure point for the team and their gear had not been decided on as of 5:30 a.m., Stowers said. "We're waiting to hear from Haiti about an assessment this morning, for logistics and planning purposes," Stowers said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them now." There was no definite timetable for the team's departure from the Southland, Stowers said.

Other News:

Kent News: Specialist firefighters from Kent are preparing to join the UK international search and rescue team in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake.
The group from Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) will be deployed as part of the Government’s response to the disaster.
The earthquake – measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale – struck last night in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Princ.

BOMBEROS DE BRASIL ACUDEN EN AYUDA A HAITI

Bomberos Unidos madrileños embarcan hacia Haití para ayudar en el rescate

Otros seis componentes más, de nacionalidad peruana y en su mayoría médicos y sanitarios, se unirán a la expedición en Santo Domingo, donde la ONG tiene una oficina permanente y donde piensan que establecerán su base de operaciones.
Junto con los tres bomberos madrileños, también han embarcado otros seis bomberos de esta ONG provenientes de Huelva.
"Las noticias que llegan desde Haití cada vez son peores" y las primeras 72 horas que siguen a una catástrofe son esenciales en el rescate de las personas, ha explicado a Efe Ángel García que estima llegarán a la República Dominicana sobre la siete de la tarde (hora local de allí), y en un principio piensan quedarse hasta el día 22.
Como bombero voluntario, García se estrenó en labores de ayuda humanitaria en 1998 en Honduras con el huracán Mitch, "y desde entonces -afirma- he salido prácticamente a una tragedia por año".
Bomberos Unidos sin Fronteras, que viaja con varios perros de distintas razas -pastor alemán, labrador y perro de agua español- había estado en primavera en Haití reparando las canalizaciones de aguas de varios edificios.
Varias Horas antes que ellos había partido, también desde el aeropuerto madrileño, una primera expedición, perteneciente a la ONG Intervención, Ayuda y Emergencias de la localidad de Algemesí (Valencia), con cuatro perros -golden retriever-, especialistas en la localización de personas sepultadas bajo los escombros.
Los componentes de esta última ONG cuentan también con una gran experiencia y formación en la localización, rescate y asistencia sanitaria de víctimas sepultadas en grandes catástrofes y han estado en Turquía, Sri lanka, Perú y Pakistán, entre otros países.
Todos ellos trabajarán en la zona que les asigne la Coordinadora de Desastres Nacionales del país caribeño.
El Gobierno español, a través de la Agencia de Cooperación Internacional, prepara el envío de ayuda humanitaria, que se podría trasladar desde la Base Logística que tienen en Panamá.
La secretaria de Estado de Cooperación, Soraya Rodríguez, está reunida con responsables de la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para organizar el operativo de ayuda y seguir "minuto a minuto" la situación en el país caribeño, han precisado fuentes oficiales.EFE

NEWS FROM FIRE CHIEFS & DEPUTY FIRE CHIEFS

CAFC

A message to all members of CAFC

A major earthquake struck southern Haiti on Tuesday, knocking down buildings and inflicting a catastrophe on the impoverished Caribbean nation, its ambassador to the United States said. "The only thing I can do now is pray and hope for the best," the ambassador, Raymond Joseph, told CNN. The magnitude 7.0 quake struck about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince shortly before 5 p.m. Joseph said he had little information about the extent of damage from the quake, but one government official -- the only one he was able to reach -- told him houses had crumbled "on the right side of the street and the left side of the street." A hospital collapsed from the quake, The Associated Press reported. Also, damage was done to an airport and the presidential palace, and a hotel collapsed, Haitian radio reported. The quake damaged several other government buildings, including the parliament building, and a cathedral in the capital, according to Agence France-Presse, citing Haitian TV. Frank Williams, the Haitian director of the relief agency World Vision International, said the quake left people "pretty much screaming" all around Port-au-Prince. He said the agency's building shook for about 35 seconds, "and portions of things on the building fell off." "None of our staff were injured, but lots of walls are falling down," Williams said. "Many of our staff have tried to leave, but were unsuccessful because the walls from buildings and private residences are falling into the streets, so that it has pretty much blocked significantly most of the traffic." This is the largest earthquake ever recorded in the area shook Haiti on Tuesday, collapsing a hospital where people screamed for help. Other buildings also were damaged and scientists said they expected "substantial damage and casualties." With communications disrupted there were several reports of deaths or injuries soon after the quake, as powerful aftershocks shook the country. The earthquake had a preliminary magnitude of 7.0 and was centered about 10 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said. It had a depth of 5 miles. It was the largest quake recorded in the area, said USGS analyst Dale Grant, and the last major one since a magnitude-6.7 temblor in 1984.

NOTICIAS DE GUATEMALA

A new dynamic is printed from 20 October to come to light the internet magazine in English "News Fire in Guatemala." This product is a joint effort by the reporters, correspondents, reporters and columnists to find a new way of communication through the objectivity of this alterative media in our country. Journalists. We are by nature teachers, educators, which directly contribute to the formation of our people led to their intellectual development. Is in your hands, dear reader, the product of a collective effort we have done with all honesty and dedication to fulfill the aims and purposes of an independent and alternative, seeks to contribute to their work nationally and internationally. Many of our readers are in Guatemala, Mexico, USA, Colombia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Africa, etc. We are committed to maintaining the sacred principle of the liberal unfettered exercise of expression.We call on the authorities of the volunteer fire Worthy of Guatemala and the Municipal Fire Department Worthy of Guatemala to join forces for this alternative media, journalists and experts drawn up by official Fire Department with over 25 years of service in these institutions relief. We also hope that the Fire Civil Aviation, Wildland Firefighting, Fire Industrial and Red Cross staff as the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conrad), add to this collective effort we're doing for the welfare of our institutions.

Dear Readers can read our website in English at: www.noticiasbomberosmunicipales.blogspot.com

BOMBEROS DE COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA

Vista Frontal del Destacamento
Parte de los integrantes del destacamento de COCHABAMBA, Bolivia
Fuente: Chris Gannon

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GREETS THE DELEGATIONS OF NAHF

La Brigada Especial y Empresarial (BEE), desea saludar a toda la Delegación de la NAHF que asistirá a la 14th Conferencia anual a celebrarse en Miami Florida del 27 al 30 en el Convention Center de Miami Beach.

Para los Bomberos Dominicanos en un gran honor poder participar con todos los bomberos de la asociacion y estrechar mejor las relaciones de todos los paises.

Los bomberos somos la parte positiva de la humadidad y a ella nos debemos.

Un saludo especial al Presidente Alberto Olmos y a los miembros del STAFF de la NAHF.

The Special Brigade (BEE), wishes to all of NAHF Delegation to attend the 14th Annual Conference in Miami Florida 27-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

For Dominicans Firefighters in a great honor to participate with all delegations of the firefighters association better and closer relations of all countries.

Firefighters are the positive part of the humadidad and we owe it.

A special greeting to the President Alberto Olmos and all members of staff from the NAHF.

Best Regards

General
Carlos Tomas Ramos And Roberto A. Vargas Mejía
Chief and Sub-Intendant of C.B. San Pedro de Macoris
Members of NAHF.