dinner with the Mayor

So much of what happens on these trips gets done off the training ground. Having the right political connections is key to getting the whole system to work. Tonight we had dinner with “El Presidente” other wise known as the Mayor of El Grullo. The Mayor appears to have much more influence than even major US city mayors; it was a real honor to have dinner with him. We were picked up by the former Mayor, the only Female that has ever been elected in this area. We drove to the Mayor’s residence, a villa that looked like a drug cartel casa from the movies. He is a very well known businessman in the area and has made it possible to have five career firefighters to be hired since his election. He also was the one that allowed the training to take place in El Grullo. We were planning on training in Autla, but none of the equipment we were planning getting here including the engine, arrived in time for the training, so like most training we do, quickly a new plan was laid out and students are receiving great training. We were treated to some of the best enchiladas I have ever had, cooked by the Mayor himself. We also had the best-grilled prawns I have EVER had!! Some un-named members of our group did secure the continued need for Agave plants. (We’ll see if they show up for breakfast) Today at the fire station we did confirm the on duty crews are sleeping on mattresses on the floor. Noting the need for comfort all the instructors pulled cash together and bought them beds, they should be delivered in the morning.