Frankfort Firefighters Train Guatemalan Crew

A group of Guatemalan firefighters left Frankfort more experienced and ready to tackle complicated calls, thanks to training and tips from Frankfort firefighters. 

The six out-of-towners were sponsored by Homer Fire Department, and participated in training drills at Frankfort Fire Department Station 3, at 24420 S. LaGrange Rd on Nov. 7. The group is part of Hearts in Motion, a nonprofit organization that sponsors mission trips and training for firefighters from Central and South America. 

Firefighters were trained in auto extrication, flashover simulation, confined spaces, SCUBA training, and rappelling—all experiences they might not encounter in training at home. 

"Down there, they don't have proper training," said director Julie Gilliam. "Equipment is very limited down there. 

"They got an impression of what fighting fire is like in the U.S."