A tragic week has ended with the final salutes for four of Guatemala’s Bravest.
Firefighter Erick Limatuj
First, it was the passing of Firefighter Erick Castillo Limatuj, 20, a firefighter for the Santa Isabel Municipal Fire Department, Villa Nueva, Guatemala. Firefighter Limatju was struck by an alleged drunk taxi driver while on his way to work in the early morning hours of March 23. After emergency treatment for extensive head injuries that lasted a week, he was pronounced dead on last Thursday. Though he served only three years, he was remembered as being a dedicated firefighter, who helped thousands of people in his short time.
Firefighter Miriam Ramos Luna
Then, on Tuesday came the news that Firefighter Miriam Ramos Luna, 49, a 19 year veteran firefighter and medic of Company 55, San Juan Alotenango, Guatemala had succumbed to complications resulting from being struck by a hit and run driver while responding to her station on her motorcycle for a medical call last January 2oth. Though she suffered severe pelvic fractures in the incident, the injuries were thought to be healing after extensive surgery. Over the course of the last few weeks, infections had set in and a nationwide appeal for donations was made to cover the cost of the advanced antibiotics needed to treat her condition. She is survived by her husband, Marco Antonio Cruz Rivas a firefighter of Company 21, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, who led the effort to save his wife’s life.
Accident near Guatemala City claims the lives of two firefighters
Engineer Rene Sanchez
Major José Antonio Porras
Later Tuesday afternoon, Major José Antonio Porras, 65, and Engineer Rene Sanchez, 45, were responding to a report of a wildland fire near Guatemala City. Their Water Tender was struck by a pick-up truck on the Salvador Highway, rolled and struck a jersey barrier on the side of the road. Both members of Company 10, Guatemala City, were killed in the accident, pronounced dead by fellow firefighters on the scene. Major Porras had just marked his 50th year as a firefighter and Engineer Sanchez had served for 25 years.
“These sad incidents remind us that the dangers firefighters face are universal, not limited to any one country, place or department.” said AMEDICAusa President and retired fire officer, Neale Brown.
” When a firefighter is lost anywhere, it is a loss for firefighters everywhere.”
Guatemalan Firefighters render final salutes to fallen comrades