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The Redwood City Fire Department is hosting senior leaders from Guatemala’s largest fire service for a weeklong exchange centered on firefighter training, cultural connection and the donation of emergency equipment.
“It’s a powerful story that spans three countries, nearly two decades of partnership, and a shared commitment to service,” said Mike Elhihi, a Redwood City firefighter.
The visiting delegation represents the command staff of the Guatemalan Voluntarios, a career fire service of more than 5,000 personnel. The group includes Fire Chief Giovanni Estuardo Gordon Garcia, Deputy Chief Jose Carlos “Pepe” Sierra Morales, Battalion Chief Edgar Cornejo Saenz, and Chief of Mechanics Byron Contreras Aparacio.
Throughout the week, the Guatemalan delegation is training alongside local crews from Redwood City and throughout the Bay Area. The itinerary includes high-rise operations, electric vehicle and lithium battery fire tactics, tiller truck driving, and fireboat operations with the San Francisco Fire Department.
The training is led by renowned Canadian instructor Brent Brooks and Oakland’s Daryl Liggins, a Redwood City Fire alum.
“This week, Redwood City Fire is proud to stand at the intersection of two important missions: preparing for the complex challenges of the modern fireground while giving back to our global partners in the fire service,” said Battalion Chief Justin Velasquez.
The visit also includes the donation of a surplus ladder truck and reserve engine from San Mateo Consolidated Fire, along with breathing equipment from the College of San Mateo. Local firefighters will drive the equipment to the Port of Los Angeles, where it will be shipped to Guatemala.
“At the same time, we are honored to join with our partners in the Guatemalan Voluntarios as they participate in these trainings and receive donated equipment (which) will immediately enhance their emergency response capabilities back home,” Velasquez said.
Beyond technical training, Velasquez said the week underscores a long-standing relationship between the Redwood City and Guatemalan departments—one that has included joint missions and deep personal connections forged over nearly 20 years.
The department is also using the visit to advance its Spanish-language training materials, which aim to improve communication with local Guatemalan and Spanish-speaking residents.
The week concludes with a formal welcome dinner at Donato Enoteca on April 30, recognizing the strength of cross-border collaboration and the firefighters who make it possible.
