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Firefighters are the same all over the world...give them just a few minutes and they'll bond over stories about anything...tales of rookies and long timers; they talk of the most challenging blazes and the rewards their passion brings.

They also are not capable of ignoring a fellow firefighter in need of assistance.

A couple of local men are taking that sacred connection to the next step-- and have established a growing effort to lend a hand across the globe. Mark Allen and Ron Gruening are working towards equipping a needy fire department in the poor nation of Moldova with "good, used firefighting gear." The plan is to have at least one shipping container filled by the first of October. A team of trainers will follow in November.

This all came about when Allen and Gruening visited Moldova on a mission trip through Kost Evangelical Free Church, in central Chisago County. Both men are former 911 paramedics and Gruening is on the Lindstrom Fire Department.

The two had some downtime and went on-foot, enjoying the sights in the Romanian section of Chisinau, Moldova. They came upon a sidestreet and noticed several uniformed men standing by outdoor benches. Gruening and Allen came closer and realized the driveway led to Chisinau's fire hall.

Their Romanian interpreter Doral introduced the fellas all-around. Allen said the Moldovans warmed to them when they learned that Allen and Gruening were also involved in emergency response, rescue and firefighting.

"They showed us around," Allen said, "and we noticed vehicles of the 1960s variety." They spent time with the fire department chief, Alexi and over Moldovan wine and snacks at the fire hall they met two fire captains.

"The chief showed us their turnout gear," Allen continued. "They held up old rubber raincoats, with no insulation. They had no bunker pants and helmets that looked to be from World War II."

The Moldovan department shares 10 air masks among 85 firefighters.

The chance visit made a huge impact on the men. Soon after returning to the Chisago Lakes area, Gruening and Allen established International Fire Relief Mission 2007. They have been networking with fire departments all over the state and are collecting everything from serviceable gloves, boots and hoods to used trucks and hose.

The timing is perfect they say.

Numerous Minnesota departments have qualified for federal funding and replaced or updated their firefighting gear. There's a good supply of used equipment that due to liability concerns can not be sold.

The goal of the Intl. Fire Relief Mission is to coordinate donations from departments and equipment manufacturers, and also reach out to people who might want to help make this relief effort happen.

The mission on Monday this week earned the support of the Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association, after Gruening made a presentation to the group. The former General Safety fire apparatus company in Wyoming's industrial park-- now Rosenbauer-- is also supporting the effort.

There's also a department in Gainsville, Georgia that is collecting donations. Together "...we can make a difference for those firefighters in Moldova," said Allen.

If you are moved to help support this effort you are encouraged to send donations to Kost Evangelical Free Church (as the non-profit agent for the effort.) The mailing address is 37405 Kost Trail, North Branch, MN 55056. Please note on the check memo line the donation is for Intl. Fire Relief Mission.

Gruening and Allen are available to speak about the effort to your civic group or club. Contact Allen at 651-366-7426.

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