May 15, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2007-32) FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION R. Steve Huffman Public Information Officer (251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861 E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org BELGIUM FIREFIGHTERS TO VISIT MOBILE Ten Belgium Firefighters who call themselves “Fire Observers VZW” are due to arrive at Central Fire Station in downtown Mobile on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at approximately 9:00 a.m. The non-profit organization arranges training trips for Belgian firefighters to American Fire Departments and Mobile was chosen as one of the destinations this year. During the one week visit they will stay in various Mobile fire stations and ride along with firefighters and firemedics to observe the type calls the department makes. They will also learn about all facets of the department and have training opportunities with the department’s haz-mat team, technical rescue team and Urban, Search and Rescue Team (USAR). The department also plans to burn a house on Thursday morning while the Fire Observers are here for their visit. The entire visit will not be totally devoted to learning about the fire department however. While here the Belgian firefighters will also have a chance to experience a taste of Mobile and the American way of life as they visit local museums and the USS Alabama Battleship. A trip to New Orleans is also planned. Since the program started groups of Belgium firefighters have visited various cities and fire departments in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Virginia. ###