CummingHome.com Your free local source for news, events, and business in and around Cumming, GA

Partners of the Americas cultivates opportunities across borders. They do this by “mobilizing volunteers and resources, creating alliances, implementing development projects, and building the capacity of grassroots organizations.”

This program came to the Forsyth County Fire Department and offered an opportunity for two firemen from Pernambuco, Brazil, (a sister state with Georgia in the Partners program) to come and learn all the aspects of how our Fire Department runs.

Chief Bowman was very open to this opportunity from the beginning. He and the whole Dept. welcomed Major Fernando Vasconcelos and Captain Wilson Silva with open arms. These two certified firefighters came to the U.S.A on October 1.

They are staying with the host family in Gainesville and spend on average three days a week with the Forsyth County Fire Dept.

“Forsyth County Fire opened their doors with open arms, we feel more than welcome,” said Captain Silva.

Their main objective was to come here and learn how to prepare for a major event because the World Cup Soccer event is coming to their State in 2014. With Chief Bowman’s extensive knowledge from being involved with the 1996 Olympics, Forsyth County was the optimal place for these two to come.

They are getting extensive training in planning for a major events, terrorism response, reading smoke, handling hazardous materials, dispatch communication, and chain of command communication.

After seeing how things are done here and getting trained in every aspect they will write a report to be given to their supervisors in hopes of improving their operations.

Major Vasconcelos expressed, “Our State is growing economically. We have a great challenge ahead of us. Learning from the Forsyth County Fire Dept. will be very helpful; we want to get to this level.”

They were very impressed with a lot that the Fire Dept. has to offer, but the relationship with the community was “very impressive” for them. The Fire Departments in Brazil are run by the military and rarely include the community in decisions.

“I like how your leaders listen to citizens, the freedom of speech is very impressive,” Captain Silva said.

This is a point of emphasis for the Forsyth County Fire Dept.; Citizens first.

Even though they came here to improve their firefighting operations in Brazil, they have made some life long friends along the way.

Inspector General, Captain Jason Shivers explained, “We have developed a wonderful friendship, not only as professional firefighters. The fire service is a brotherhood that knows no boundaries.”

Chief Bowman back that up by saying, “Cultural differences aside, all firefighters have a common goal: the saving of life and property.”

Major Vasconcelos and Captain Silva were also able to enjoy some of American culture as they took many trips. The went to Washington D.C., the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, Six Flags, Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, Braves game, High Schools in the county, and watched the Honor Guard do several events.

They expressed their gratitude by saying, “We can feel the friendship here, and everyone has been friendly.”

Major Vasconcelos ended our conversation by saying, “Every firefighter should have the opportunity to come to Forsyth County, but if you do you will have a hard time leaving. I am so thankful for the opportunity.”

The Forsyth County Fire Dept. feels the same way as Chief Bowman expressed, “The friendships established by such visits improve our skills as public servants.”

The two firefighters from Brazil are leaving the US Nov. 27. They love it here, but are ready to get back and see their families after their two month absence. They will stay in constant contact with Forsyth County Fire Dept. through e-mail.

We all wish them well in their endeavors and hope that this experience will prove to be invaluable.