COMMANDOS: 17 YEARS SERVING THE PEOPLE OF NEJAPA

This post is also available in:

17 years have passed since a group of young people began operations in a humble home in the city of Nejapa. Wearing their yellow jackets, they entered the community with the sole objective of helping others.

Comandos de Salvamento de El Salvador established itself in Nejapa with an old ambulance to attend to the community’s emergencies. Now, 17 years later, the rescuers are appreciated among the local residents, who have witnessed the hard work and sacrifice of the young volunteers.

Many colleagues have accompanied us throughout this entire journey. Thanks to the Board of Directors, the Executive Directorate of Comandos de Salvamento de El Salvador (Central), the Nejapa Municipal Government under its various administrations, which have provided support, NGOs, foundations, especially our volunteer friends, as well as our contributing partners, who help us every month to continue saving lives.

For Alex Torres, who is currently the Delegate, it has not been easy, but we have achieved it and helped thousands of people who have suffered or endured illnesses from different causes.

One of the largest responses took place on the night of October 29, 2020, when a landslide caused the deaths of 10 people, affecting more than one hundred families in Caseríos Los Angelitos I and II, in Cantón Los Conacastes, Nejapa.

From the first hours of the tragedy, Comandos de Salvamento arrived to assist the victims, take them to safe places, and begin searching for the missing people. They were tireless days, but they resulted in the recovery of 9 bodies, which were handed over to their families for a Christian burial.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the young people put their lives at risk by assisting with emergencies, carrying out fumigation campaigns, and advising people to prevent further infections.

Thus, Comandos de Salvamento de Nejapa has reached its 17th year, hoping to continue with that spirit of service. Despite the limitations, they continue extending a helping hand to anyone who needs it.