BNSF Today

BNSF Transports Donated Fire Trucks to Mexico

2006-08-24

The cities of Chicago,  Hickory Hills and Lanark, Ill., and Holland, Michigan, recently decided to donate four decommissioned fire trucks to communities in Mexico as the first step in setting a precedent for similar donations to developing nations.

The  City of Chicago began the effort by donating a 1985 E-1 Hurricane pumping fire truck to the small town of Tequisquiapan in Queretaro, Mexico, and was soon joined by the other communities with similar donations. The 1985 fire truck was retired from service earlier this year.

"While this equipment is not up to Chicago’s ultra-modern and state-of the-art specifications and standards, it is still very useful and valuable equipment," says Edward Burke, Chicago alderman. "I think the people of Tequisquiapan will be very appreciative to receive this gift which we hold out as a gesture of goodwill."

BNSF is providing free transportation and will take the four fire trucks from outside of Chicago (in Eola Yard, Aurora, Ill.) to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they will be interchanged to Kansas City Southern, which is also providing free transportation. 

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