Founder of Dirty Feet Missions Genia O’Neal was in Guatemala last year.
While there, she learned the struggles plaguing the fire department in the village of Panajanchel.
“They are in need of supplies as well as training,” said O’Neal.
“The opportunity for us to go over and to work with a fire department that has so many needs with training and equipment, there was no way I could not go,” said Culpepper.
So when she came back to the United States, she told firefighter Tim Culpepper what she saw.
Culpepper, who has been a firefighter in the River City for 21 years, said he asked six other firefighters to go. Panajanchel has about 45 volunteer firefighters and only two that are paid.
The seven firefighters from Jacksonville will bring supplies, like Band-Aids and other small items.
“Some rope, flashlights. They want pocket knives to help with cutting seat belts,” said Culpepper.
Culpepper said they'll also be supplying the firefighters with knowledge of basic EMS techniques. But getting to this point wasn't the easiest.
He said the group had to save up vacation time and help the nonprofit raise money.
“I'm so impressed members of the Jacksonville Fire Department are taking their own time and money and going down to help someone else,” said O’Neal.
The firefighters will also be recording their teachings while they're there and then leave them with those in Guatemala so they can look back at them when needed.
The group will leave Saturday and be in Guatemala until next Saturday.