Bonaire Fire Department

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Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles, and is located a stone's throw away from the northern Venezuelan border. The Bonaire Fire Department has three stations - one at the Flamingo Airport, one just outside the town of Kralendijk, and one on the eastern side of the island.

When we visited Bonaire in June 1999, my brother-in-law, a native of the Netherlands, was with us so we were able to communicate with the firemen using him as a translator. The firemen were very accomodating and took time out to show me around their station and talk about their operation.

Bonaire Fire Department station at Flamingo Airport.	Okay, so these guys ate more Wheaties than I did when we were growing up!
Rapid Intervention Vehicle stationed at the airport.	I couldn't refuse the engineer's offer of a ride across the tarmac and this awesome water show!