A year ago, an earthquake in southern Chile devastated towns, flattening fire stations and equipment that could have been used in the rescue efforts.

An Illinois pastor, who was in the locality working at the time, wanted to help the fire departments rebuild and to ensure they were better prepared to help in the event of another catastrophe.

He mobilized 10 Chicago-area firefighters who next week will pack their bags and travel to the South American country to train about 100 firefighters, bringing along discarded but usable firefighting gear.

(READ the story in the Chicago Tribune)