Rochester, N.Y. - Do you know the Spanish word for firefighter?
It's bombero. That's the title of three Dominicans who have been training with the Rochester Fire Department for the past two weeks.
Their visit is part of the Sister Cities program, in which Rochester partners with cities around the world.
One of those cities is Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.
The goal is to foster business and cultural exchanges, but other projects, like the firefighter training, can also stem from the relationship.
Puerto Plata's fire chief, Pedro Martinez, took part in exercises Friday at the Public Safety Training Center next to the airport.
He has marveled at RFD's equipment more than anything else calling it advanced and modern, something his equipment is not.
He also values the education he's received and says it will provide more safety back in his hometown.
Several area fire departments will be sending the crew some donated equipment, but they need money to ship it.
If you would like to donate, you can call the Puerto Plata Sister City committee chair Relton Roland at (585) 473-5346.
