CAYUGA HEIGHTS, NY (607NewsNow) — The Cayuga Heights Fire Department is helping a South American country.

In partnership with Cornell students, the department has donated retired equipment to Peru. According to Cayuga Heights Fire Chief George Tamborelle, several students met with Peruvian firefighters in 2025 who described their challenges in obtaining modern gear.

“Because of our strong preventive maintenance program, much of our retired gear remains in very good condition,” Tamborelle said.

The students recently returned to Peru to deliver the equipment, with no shipping cost to the department. Tamborelle said the Peruvian authorities were “extremely grateful” for the donation.