Fife-based rescue organisation’s 98th container or life-saving equipment dispatched
An international rescue organisation based in Fife has dispatched more life-saving equipment overseas.
The Thornton-based International Fire and Rescue Association (IFRA), loaded its 98th container full of equipment for fire and emergency services in Ecuador.
The ceremonial loading of the container was attended by representatives of its destination country, as well as the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, the area commander of Stirling Fife and Clackmannanshire for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and local Councillor Lynda Holton.
IFRA is a charity that assists firefighters and other emergency services worldwide by acquiring any outdated, superseded, spare or replaced fire/emergency/medical service equipment and distributing them to countries so affected by war, civil unrest or natural disaster that they are unable to contend with the emergency utilising their own resources or require assistance on humanitarian grounds.
Representatives of Ecuador attended the latest container loading including Senor Gabriel Villafuerte - Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ecuador.
Travelling all the way from Ecuador to represent fire departments there were Mrs Cinthia Chávez, director general of the office and Interinstitutional operational liaison and accountant, and Emma Mackliff - administrative director general.
Also in attendance were the Lord Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour; Area Commander of Stirling Fife and Clackmannanshire for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Lee Turnock; Councillor Lynda Holton, who represents Glenrothes Central and Thornton; and IFRA volunteers.
David Kay, director/chairman of IFRA,said: “We are so grateful for all the support for our work and hopefully this year we can increase our assistance.”
Councillor Holton said: “It was a real honour to be a part of this special moment as IFRA loaded its 98th container of life-saving equipment destined for Ecuador.
“It was clear to see the strength of feeling from the Ecuadorian representatives, who could not be more grateful for this donation, which will go a long way towards supporting fire services back home.
“I am huge admirer of the work of IFRA. The fact that they are all volunteers who give up so much of their time and expertise to help those in need around the world is commendable. Well done to everyone involved in another successful mission.”