Retired engine from Batavia going to rural fire department in Latin America

Old Engine 24 will soon find a new home with a rural fire department in Latin America.

The Batavia Volunteer Fire Department transferred ownership of the engine, which was replaced in July by a new rig, to the 911 FUND today (warning: site has automatic audio).

"The Town of Batavia Fire Department is committed to doing its share to help rural fire departments in Latin America where such assistance could literally mean the difference between life and death for firefighters and the civilian population who they protect," said Michael Jones, president of the department in a statement.  

During the past eight years, the 911 FUND has donated dozens of fire trucks, ambulances, millions of dollars in equipment and extensive training to Latin America and other parts of the world.

UPDATE: I e-mailed Michael Jones with a couple of questions I had about the transfer of the truck. Here is his reply:

The Truck was purchased for $3k by the 911 fund.  Our board didn't feel it would be a responsible decision to give the truck free and clear without recouping some of its value when taking our communities taxpayer's into consideration.   However, the $3k was a deep discount fro the $8k that it was posted for sale as.  In addition to the vehicle we also included pike polls, ladders, hard suction lines, and various other equpiment that will greatly aide those in Argetina, which is the engine's final destination.  The 911 Fund tells us that the engine will be the only vehicle that that rural fire department will have.  Although we are sad to see the vehicle go we are equally happy knowing that our engine will help reduce the loss of life by increasing protection to those fire fighters their community.