In recent years, the small town of Las Parejas in Buenos Aires has seen a significant improvement in its emergency services thanks to contributions from Wilmette, Illinois. Not only did they receive an ambulance, but also an impressive 110-foot EONE RM aerial ladder. The story behind these donations is fascinating, and there are several articles available online that delve into different aspects of it.
Wilmette initially placed an order for an EONE HP95 mid-mount tower ladder, which was delivered but later rejected. A photograph from a ceremony held at Station 26 shows this mid-mount ladder before it was returned to the manufacturer and eventually replaced with an HP95 rear-mount tower ladder. Despite removing the original signage from the old ladder before shipping it overseas, Wilmette left all other lettering and decals intact. In contrast, the Las Parejas Fire Department has chosen to add their own custom signs while keeping the Wilmette markings visible. Additionally, the firefighters in Las Parejas have incorporated Wilmette embroidery into their uniforms, alongside patches that feature the Las Parejas emblem.
The accompanying image captures Wilmette’s Truck 26—a 1985 EONE Hurricane 110-foot RM quint—prior to its retirement from active duty and shipment to Argentina. This photo, taken by Larry Shapiro, provides a glimpse into the history of this donated vehicle.
Beyond the ladder truck, Wilmette has also sent surplus bunker gear, hoses, and other essential equipment to support Las Parejas, whose fire department operates without municipal funding.
To read more about this inspiring story, you can check out the following articles:
- [Article Link 1]
- [Article Link 2]
- [Article Link 3]
An article from the Wilmette Life and the Pioneer Press highlights another aspect of this international goodwill effort. It mentions that Las Parejas, a rural community home to over 11,000 residents, is set to receive a major upgrade to its firefighting capabilities through the acquisition of a surplus 1985 ladder truck. However, logistics remain a challenge as they work out the details of transporting the vehicle across continents.
Recently, Wilmette acquired a brand-new truck with assistance from a substantial $675,000 federal grant. This modern replacement for their aging ladder truck represents cutting-edge technology compared to the older model. According to Fire Chief James Dominik, although Wilmette couldn’t afford to gift the old truck outright, its depreciated value stands at just $30,000. Recognizing the potential benefit this equipment could bring to communities lacking resources, the department identified a recipient who would put it to good use instead of selling it to a reseller.
This act of generosity underscores the spirit of collaboration between towns separated by thousands of miles yet united by shared values of community service and mutual aid.
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