Sayulita-San Pancho Fire Station Being Constructed

The newly-elected Presidente of Bahia de Banderas is fully committed to local emergency services development, including previously under-served areas. The first station targeted for construction is for the Sayulita-San Pancho area - land has been acquired and construction is planned for May of this year. The Sayulita fire station plan calls for a staffed ambulance and fire engine, funded by the Zack Chambers Foundation and Grupo Pro Sayulita. Staffing of lifeguards for both towns beaches is also included in the planning. With this development, the focus of the Zack Chambers Foundation is able to switch from major services development to providing support to existing local services.

Local Lifeguard Program Moving Forward

The initial grassroots program which began in 2010 through the foundation is moving forward in a good direction. Two major trainings were undertaken in 2010 and 2011 in Zack's name with some 50-60 local individuals receiving initial or refresher lifeguard training. With the fire department now fully committed to being primary responders for these two communities locally trained civilian guards will be absorbed into the fire department lifeguard division as volunteers. Staffing of the two beaches continues to be on a volunteer basis today and will move into a more structured schedule once the local fire station is constructed, equipped, and staffed. Experts from San Diego Fire-Rescue were brought in to conduct the initial trainings and will continue to work with the lifeguard corps.

Fundraising Event Major Success

Big thanks to Judy Lundgren of the Hilltop Tavern in Port Townsend, for the opportunity to raise just over $1000 in March from weekly bingo games! Thank you to all who so generously donated. Monies will be used toward purchase of major emergency equipment items for the Sayulita fire station.

Annual Fundraising Campaign Approaches

ZackFest 2011 was a huge success raising both awareness and over $6,000 toward the project. This year we will kick off our first annual fund drive; if your name is on our mailing list, watch for a newsletter coming your way soon! Become a member of the foundation by making a donation of any size - we are currently designing a foundation decal for all members. All donations are tax-deductible under the umbrella of Firefighters Crossing Borders. Email us today to insure your name is on the mailing list - info@safesayulita-sanpancho.org.