Costa Rica’s Fire Department celebrated 153 years since its creation with an activity in their Operations Center in Santo Domingo, Heredia and the presence of President Carlos Alvarado, who, following the tradition was named First Commander of the Firefighters’ Department.

During this activity they also announced the acquisition of five new fire extinction units valued in approximately $1.5 million.

The new units of 415 horse powers, 2018 technology and capacity to store 1000 gallons of water and 110 gallons of spray foam used for fire suppression, will be destined to the communities of Barrio Mexico, Ciudad Neilly, La Fortuna, Guapiles and Bagaces.

During the activity the firefighters carried out an exhibition of rescue labors in collapsed structures, vertical rescue and attention of fires affecting vehicles.

Presidents receive the title of First Commander of the Firefighters’ Department as a tradition in their first year of assuming the presidency of the country and they receive a firefighters helmet.

As part of the celebration a group of firefighters also presented a choreography and firefighter Pablo Arley sang along with President Alvarado, the song by AC/DC “Highway to Hell”.