After nearly two years of planning, Operation Fire Taco has reached a major milestone. Led by the Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club in partnership with firefighter Cesar Uribide and local firefighters, the project recently secured a Rescue One pumper fire engine from the Town of Phillipston. This September, the truck will begin its journey to Ayutla, Jalisco, Mexico, where it will strengthen emergency services and firefighter safety for the community.
Operation Fire Taco began nearly two years ago when firefighter Cesar Uribide shared his vision of bringing a fire engine, equipment, and training to his hometown of Ayutla, Jalisco, Mexico. Cesar serves as a volunteer firefighter in Phillipston and as a firefighter in Keene, New Hampshire. After a devastating fire in Ayutla injured several firefighters who lacked the equipment needed to respond safely, he set out to help make a lasting difference.
The Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club embraced the project, recognizing an opportunity to extend Rotary's spirit of Service Above Self beyond our local community. The project has grown into a true community effort across the North Quabbin region. The fire engine has been displayed at local events to raise awareness and support, with residents generously contributing toward the remaining costs of preparing and transporting the truck.
While purchasing the fire engine marks a major milestone, the work is not yet complete. Approximately $50,000 still needs to be raised to cover equipment, hoses, maintenance, insurance, registration, fuel, transportation, and delivery expenses.
When the truck arrives in Ayutla this fall, members of the Athol-Orange Area Rotary Club and local firefighters plan to travel with the apparatus to provide hands-on training for Ayutla's firefighters, helping ensure the equipment can be used safely and effectively for years to come.
Donations to support Operation Fire Taco are being accepted through Rotary International District 7910, a registered 501(c)(3) organization, making all contributions tax-deductible.
Operation Fire Taco demonstrates what can happen when Rotarians, firefighters, local businesses, and community members come together behind a shared purpose. What began as one firefighter's vision has become a project that will strengthen emergency services and build lasting connections between two communities more than 2,500 miles apart.
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