Posted by Glenn Fadner on 7/22/2010

Plenty! We take for granted that if a fire starts, the fire depart will come a-running to put it out. They have engines for every purpose, from pumpers, to ladder trucks, to snorkle trucks! What boy (and maybe more than a few girls) hasn't at SOME point wanted to be a fireman and ride in one of those big red trucks?

Well, if you grew up in Bongolo, Gabon (that's in west Africa), you probably wouldn't have those dreams. That's because there ISN'T any fire truck within 200 miles. So when a fire started in the supply warehouse at the Bongolo Hospital, it was a miracle that a bucket brigade was able to put it out.

Dave and Diann Conquest (Pittsford, NY) were visiting their daughter in Bongolo when that fire happened. Their son-in-law, Keir Thelander, is the director of that hospital and they saw first hand how close the hospital came to disaster. Dave's reaction: "They need a fire truck!". So when he and Diann came home, they proceeded to buy one on eBay (you can buy almost ANYTHING on eBay) and are working out the details to get it refurbished, re-equipped, and transported to Gabon.

Will their efforts make a difference. We certainly think so! Who knows how many lives and homes will be saved because of Dave and Diann's efforts?

You can read more about the "Fire Truck Story" by clicking this link.