New Jaws of Life from CAMO Help Save Lives in Honduras

Each year, they respond to nearly 60 serious traffic accidents. Since then, these brave firefighters have saved 69 people trapped in car, bus, and semitruck accidents across the steep and winding mountain roads of western Honduras.

Last year, the department shared devastating news — their lifesaving equipment was no longer repairable. In a region where rescue calls happen almost weekly, and where reaching victims often requires navigating treacherous terrain, this was a grave concern.

Then, an unexpected connection changed everything. During an insurance meeting in the U.S., Rachel Foltz, a CAMO staff member, mentioned the need. By chance, the person she spoke with “knew a guy” connected to the Citizens First Fire Training in the U.S. who had a Jaws of Life in his basement.

One lead turned into another, and soon four firefighters and paramedics— Zachary Geib, Jacob Fondriest, Michael Schlabauch, and Patrick Maloney— volunteered to travel to Honduras to deliver the equipment and train the local department.

Eleven old vehicles were provided for hands-on rescue drills, and 20 firefighters—the entire Santa Rosa Fire Department—completed the training.

Their gratitude was profound, but so was the realization of how great the need remains.