This is part of continuing relationship the Young Rescuers USA program has had with Belarus over the past five years. Young Rescuers USA is planning to participate for the fifth time in the annual International Rally of Young Rescuers held annually in the Republic of Belarus in September.
The Young Rescuers USA program has unique local ties to Old Forge, Zachary Wiskow of Matthews, North Carolina, was recently to participate as a member of the seven member 2012 team. He is the son of Karen Tille Wiskow, and grandson of Major (ret.) Jim Tille and Marie and Bob Shue. Young Rescuers USA was founded by David Tille, formerly of Old Forge, and Ambassador (ret.) George Bruno. Along with David, Major James Tille (ret.) helped lead the Young Rescuers USA delegation in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
“Zachary is an exceptional student and excellent athlete. He has a demonstrated a strong interest learning basic first aid and rescue, and is an upstanding young man who will represent our country well at this international competition and rally. We are very proud to announce Zachary as part of our 2012 US Team,” said Lt. Leo Roy, Young Rescuers USA Training Director.
“Our Young Rescuers USA team learn and compete in basic life safety competitions, enjoy excursions to cultural, scenic, and historic sites throughout Belarus and make lasting international friendships,” concluded Lt. Roy. The Belarus Young Firefighters and Rescuers delegation will spend their final few days of their 13 day visit to the United States in Old Forge, New York from June 29 to July 2.
“During their visit to the U.S. they will learn about our firefighter, rescuer, and safety skills programs and techniques and see how our first responders and emergency response team work together at the local, state, and federal level. They will also see historic and scenic sites, travel to several northeast states, and enjoy excursions with American youth including our Young Rescuers USA team,” said Lt. Leo Roy, Training Director, Young Rescuers USA.
The Belarus youth, ages 13-17, will be able to participate in emergency, safety, and fire training exercises, educational events, games, and sports with youth in US fire programs, including the New Hampshire Fire Academy, and will visit fire stations and rescue facilities throughout the Northeast including the Boston Fire Department, City of Manchester Fire Department, the U.S. Coast Guard rescue vessels and National Guard emergency response teams. They will also have the opportunity to visit historic sites and take excursions including visiting to the New Hampshire seacoast, the USS Constitution, Boston Harbor, state capitols, the White Mountains, and the Adirondack Mountains to gain full exposure to American life.
“We are excited to have the Belarus delegation come to Old Forge, to wrap up their trip to the U.S. They are already looking forward to visiting the Old Forge Fire Department, hiking Bald Mountain to the Rondaxe Fire Tower, and enjoying the beautiful Adirondacks,” said David Tille Co-Founder and Program Director, Young Rescuers USA.
For further Information on Young Rescuers USA please visit the website at: www.youngrescuersusa.org.