The City of Coral Gables recently donated a surplus firetruck to the City of Asunción, Paraguay. The fire services throughout this South American nation are made up of an all-volunteer force. Similarly, during Coral Gables’ early years, the City’s Fire Department was led by volunteer firefighters.

During the ceremony, Belkys Perez, Director of Economic Development, spoke about how the spirit of friendship and compassion transcends borders. Asunción Mayor Oscar Rodriguez, Paraguayan Senator Lizarella Valiente Cabrera and Consul General Ambassador Justo Apodaca Paredes, whose offices are now based in Coral Gables, accepted the donation on Asunción’s behalf. They expressed their gratitude to the City for this transformative donation.