NEWS RELEASE
November 9, 2005

For more information contact:                             

Brian Hatfield, (360) 786-7745
hatfield_br@leg.wa.gov
or Antonio Sanchez, (360) 786-7786
sanchez_an@leg.wa.gov

Lieutenant Governor to Lead Whirlwind Peru Mission

OLYMPIA – Sandwiched between an early-morning flight from SeaTac on Thursday Nov. 10, and a redeye return on Sunday, Nov. 13, Lt. Governor Brad Owen’s Peruvian goodwill trip offers little time for sightseeing, but it should continue to foster the friendships and trade connections that were started back in 2001. That year, members of the Washington State Council of Firefighters were inspired on a visit to Peru to help improve the quality of emergency services in that country. They began an equipment exchange program that sent thousands of dollars worth of gear to their counterparts in Lima and Trujillo.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, Peruvian firefighters in Trujillo will dedicate a new fire station and name it after the state of Washington as a way of expressing their thanks. Lt. Governor Owen will present a state flag and state seal plaque, and formally donate a surplused fire truck, also provided by Washington firefighters, to the new facility.

“This is a major milestone in relations between the historic Province of Trujillo and the State of Washington,” said Owen. “I am honored I was asked to attend.”
Owen’s delegation will also meet with several government officials and business leaders, including Peruvian Congressman Maximo Mena; Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Javier Gonzalez; and Mr. Francisco Silva, vice president and general manager of SCN-Lavalin Peru S.A., one of the leading engineering and construction firms in the world. Accompanying the Lieutenant Governor will be Mike Wilson of the Washington State Council of Firefighters and Dr. Ricardo Jimenez, founder of the Peruvian Firefighter Foundation. “I’m hoping for a very productive weekend,” Owen added. “Business and trade opportunities always follow friendships and exchanges of goodwill.”

###