Houston Fire Department to Donate $460,000 of Fire Gear to the City of Guayaquil, Ecuador

WHAT: Dignitaries from the City of Guayaquil, will be on-site at Val Jahnke Training Facility to accept a donation of fire gear through the City of Houston's Sister City Program.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Val Jahnke Training Facility - 8030 Braniff St. 77061

Media attending must sign in at the administrative building. Please, note that no video will be allowed of other activities, including but not limited to cadets and training.

*Media are encouraged to RSVP to PIO Sedrick Robinett at [email protected] or 832-722-4232

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The City of Guayaquil (Ecuador) has been an official Sister City with the City of Houston since 1987, and thus the Houston-Guayaquil Sister City Association (HGSCA) was formed. For more than 30 years, this relationship has provided many fire service training opportunities as well as many donations of fire protection gear.

Donations consist of gear/equipment in which the HFD can no longer use under the NFPA regulations and recommendations, but that is still serviceable and usable gear/equipment. The current donation is valued at approximately $460,000 and includes personal protective equipment, such as fire helmets, bunker pants and coats, gloves, boots, hoods, suspenders, and equipment such as fire hoses, couplings, nozzles, and ladders.

The following dignitaries from the City of Guayaquil are scheduled to attend:
• Houston-Guayaquil Sister City Association President, Ms. Paulina Davila.
• Jonatan Miranda, Chief 7th Brigade, Guayaquil Fire Department
• Emma Mackliff, Administrative Management coordinator, Guayaquil Fire Department
• Cinthya Chavez, Assistant Administrative Management Coordinator, Guayaquil Fire Department