In 1999 I was fortunate to learn about the Tecate BC Fire Department through several of their firefighters while there on a visit. I became friends almost immediately with Captain Franco Soliz. I knew that my home department had been throwing away its older equipment and would be glad to surplus that equipment in the future for continued use to our brothers down south.

 

The first (and subsequent times) I visited with my brothers and sisters in Tecate I was awed by their appreciation and dedication to serving their citizens. They worked as we all do with what we can get to do the job, but with much less. They serve their community professionally and my only hope was to enable them to continue. They have far exceeded my expectations and since inception, we have developed a great relationship that is spreading to other departments in their area. This Web site and organization is testament to the generosity of our brothers and sisters in the emergency services, our families, and our friends in business.

 

—Joel Schwarz LT/PM

 

Going down to Tecate, Mexico has opened my eyes on how fortunate the majority of fire departments are in the U.S. The firefighters of Tecate are very professional and dedicated to their job. It's incredible to see how they soak up the training we have provided them and how beneficial the gear is to their department and their community. It is an incredible experience to have the opportunity to work with firefighters from other parts of the world with one common goal - to strive for the best.

 

— Jerrad Learned FF/EMT

 

My experiences in Mexico have been very rewarding. The fact that it is true "mission-type" service (being able to offer assistance, although fire-related, to individuals who are truly under-advantaged by US standards) has been very important to me. I also enjoy the camaraderie with fellow firefighters, re-enforcing the fact that all firefighters have a common and very real bond. These experiences have allowed me to give what I've devoted most of my adult life to by helping other responders (especially being from Mexico) to better serve their own communities (the adage of "give a man a fish and feed the man, but teach a man to fish and feed an entire village,” biblically based of course).

 

—Scott Booth FF/PM

 

The trips to Tecate, Mexico have been life-changing experiences. I have always wanted to be a part of an organization that provides help to another country. Firefighters Crossing Borders has fulfilled this desire. Not only do I get to help my fellow firefighters, but I see the impact of my actions upon returning each year. This has given me a feeling of satisfaction that has far exceeded my initial expectations.

 

Firefighters Crossing Borders is growing well beyond anything we imagined. Originally, I just wanted to see if I could help these guys out and eat some tacos. Now, this organization is a very important part of my life. I am continually impressed at how many people want to contribute to our efforts. It gives me hope in humanity to see such selflessness. This whole experience has been a blessing and I am a better person for my involvement.

 

— Mark Baker FF/PM

 

My experience with the firefighters of Tecate, Mexico has given me a perspective of my job that I wish everyone in our line of work could know. On the first trip to Tecate we saw a barebones fire department that had none of the things that we sometimes take for granted. After getting to know some of the firefighters, I was amazed at the level of pride that they have for the job and that they do it without complaint. Seeing that made wanting to help them out very easy. It was impressive to see what they did with the equipment that we collected and brought to them. The Mexico experience has shown me that a strong brothership really does exist between firefighters regardless of distance, language or borders. This was most evident to me on our last trip when we crossed the border during the start of the war. Despite all of the politics going on, we were still welcomed by our brothers. Each time I come home from a trip to Tecate and return to my job in Gig Harbor, it is easier to see past the shiny new apparatus, technology and salary and see what a fire department is really made of.

 

— Geoff North FF/PM