Omaha is strengthening its relationship with sister city Xalapa, Mexico.
The city south of the border will be soon able to better help people in emergencies.
This morning, the Omaha fire department donated four ambulances, seven Jaws of Life and 69 breathing apparatuses for firefighters.
Firefighter safety will improve in Xalapa and speed their emergency response, said Mayor Americo Zuniga Martinez.
Martinez says he’s honored to stand among Omaha’s leaders.
“We are very proud to be here,” Mayor Martinez said. “What the city is doing is something that we treasure in our hearts.”
Interim Fire Chief Dan Olsen says Tuesday’s donation is a strong message.
"It does not matter what country, city or state we live in, we call ourselves brothers and sisters,” Olsen said. “The bond is enhanced when we have the opportunity to help each other in any way that we can.”
In Xalapa, emergency situations are often difficult, and the equipment donated this morning speaks volumes.
"The Omaha Fire Department is not only a group of heroes in Omaha, (they’re) now also a group of heroes in Mexico,” Martinez said.
Jean Stothert says the relationship between Omaha and Xalapa is about a decade strong.
"Our ability to provide these essential public safety tools make our sister city connection stronger,” said Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert. “It makes the mission to build partnerships more achievable.”
Equipment will be taken by Union Pacific rail to Mexico in a couple weeks.
Xalapa is among six of Omaha's sister cities worldwide.
