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Title: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 28 October 2010, 18:39:27 I usually dont post stuff like this on our forum, but this one deserves an exception, methinks, I have worked with the corps as journo and know the people mentioned:
On August 6, 2010, Alejandro Ribas Millán, a 34 yrs old veteran firefighter from the Palma de Mallorca Fire Brigade (Bombers de Palma), died during service while fighting a fire in a bar when the inner (false) roof collapsed making him lose his oxygen mask. After having to detach from the hose they carried as safety trail to exit, trying to find the way out he got disorientated and died from smoke inhalation and asphyxation before his comrades could save him (the first death ever of a firefighter during service here on the island in the corps history). The other two firefighters of his troop that suffered the same fate intitally were behind on the hose and could be saved in time and have recovered since. Link Spanish: http://ultimahora.es/mallorca/noticia/sucesos/ultimas/mallorca-llora-la-perdida-de-alex.html (http://ultimahora.es/mallorca/noticia/sucesos/ultimas/mallorca-llora-la-perdida-de-alex.html) Link (badly) translated: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fultimahora.es%2Fmallorca%2Fnoticia%2Fsucesos%2Fultimas%2Fmallorca-llora-la-perdida-de-alex.html (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fultimahora.es%2Fmallorca%2Fnoticia%2Fsucesos%2Fultimas%2Fmallorca-llora-la-perdida-de-alex.html) Now, the Fire Brigade of Palma requests help from fellow service members all over the nation for his widow and 2 years old son, who find themselves in a really bad situation: As they were not officially married (and against Spanish law for matrimonies without marriage) Social security is still denying a widows pension to her, despite fulfilling all the requirments for one (5 yrs+ cohabitiation in the same household with children), and the Palma City Council was holding back the money of the obligatory life insurance, some 30.000 Euros (now we know the price of a firefighters life!) for too long to meet the accumulated bills since August. Here the link to the plead for help (it initially goes not out just to the public but to all service personell in Spain and abroad, the mentioned "Brotherhood", hence the wording you might sometimes find a little strange in my translation), the translation is by me: http://www.bombersdepalma.com/x_boss.htm (http://www.bombersdepalma.com/x_boss.htm) Quote WE NEED YOUR HELP Hi, as many of you know, last August 6th our comrade Alex died while on duty. A villain and treacherous fire has taken him away. Besides unforgettable memories to us all, Alex at 34 has left some bereaved parents, two brothers and the woman who bore him a son, and many friends and colleagues. No one better than us firefighters know that fate might have put each of us in his place leaving our wife a widow and our children orphans behind when they need us most. Since then, the weeks have gone by, and the current status of Soledad (his life partner, R.) is precarious. Depressed by memories and his absence; with a little boy she has to answer his innocent questions to; and with the rapidly accumulating cost of which once was a project of life with Alex, which she currently can not address alone. Despite legally demonstrated 5 years of living with Alex, Social Security has denied the widow's pension; the home mortgage does not care about her woes; her lawyer works, but wants to charge, and the € 30,000 life insurance for a firefighter in Palma the City Council has finally paid but that is not enough to cover even a fraction of what has accumulated, starting with the funeral; on top she has lost her job because she has to take care of the tiny one and cannot be available as flexibly as before. The daily life of this woman and almost 2 years old child of our friend Alex is increasingly uncertain. But she does not give up, she is a fighter as her man, keeps looking for work, fighting for her son Adrian and all that Alex would have wanted her to fight for. But it is not sufficient at the moment. What she needs is an intial little help, a boost of morale, of care and, of course, of money. THEY NEED YOUR HELP. With a just a small effort of us all we can all have the great pleasure of discovering that after so much pain, Soledad and her son Adrian can restart their lives to begin anew. Amongst all of us this will be an easier enterprise, and certainly encouraging. We started this solidary project of "sponsorship" with the certainty that the response of you all will exceed the boundaries of our fire brigade stations, which of course, although in the crisis suffering wage cuts, will not cease demonstrating the power that our great Brotherhood is known to represent even in difficult times. We also know that we are on the verge of this unforgettable family holiday (All Saints, on Monday, R.), where unfortunately the absences of beloved ones are particularly painful, and uncaring consumerism sometimes insults the moral and the happiness of those who have lost. Symbolically on this day we will share our table, the tablecloth and our hopes with Soledad and little Adrian. For one simple reason: THEY NEED YOUR HELP. HOW CAN I HELP? In two ways, easy and fast: 1st: We opened a bank account in the name of Soledad and her son (see below, and my remarks, R.). You could make a generous transfer, although we believe that the perseverance and the care of "small" monthly amounts (what is worth a movie ticket and popcorn?) will be more desirable and useful. In any case, your proper decision is respectable. 2nd: Spread this post of plead for help to everyone you know down the vibrant Brotherhood chain of service personell. Together we can help a son and a widow of one firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow citizens. LET US NOT FORGET OUR HEROES! Don´t put this on backburner, please, they need you NOW. Thank you very much. (http://fotos01.diariodemallorca.es/fotos/noticias/318x200/2010-10-24_IMG_2010-10-24_20:42:08_l18su001.jpg) Also the Corps posted an impressive page of photos in memory of Alex "Harris" Ribas, the fire fighter that died: http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Ribas.htm (http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Ribas.htm) This one, from the Calendar 2008 of the "Cos de Bombers Palma" (Fire Fighter Corps Palma) especially caught my attention: (http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Harris_%20008.jpg) Here the version for the general public as posted in the press: Original: http://www.diariodemallorca.es/sucesos/2010/10/25/piden-ayuda-viuda-hijo-bombero-fallecido/613855.html (http://www.diariodemallorca.es/sucesos/2010/10/25/piden-ayuda-viuda-hijo-bombero-fallecido/613855.html) Google translation: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diariodemallorca.es%2Fsucesos%2F2010%2F10%2F25%2Fpiden-ayuda-viuda-hijo-bombero-fallecido%2F613855.html (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diariodemallorca.es%2Fsucesos%2F2010%2F10%2F25%2Fpiden-ayuda-viuda-hijo-bombero-fallecido%2F613855.html) There is a bank account number for help that is valid in Spain: Nº Account: 2051 0088 62 1070013142 Bank: "Sa Nostra", Caixa de Balears EDIT SAT OCT 30: For people not living in Spain here the data to help from outside Spain, the Bank Identification Code (BIC) and the International Bank Account Number (IBAN): BIC (Swift code) of Sa Nostra: CECAESMM051 Electronic IBAN (don't use for paper transfers): ES2320510088621070013142 Paper bank transfer IBAN (same as the electronic, but needs the word IBAN in front and is structured in groups of 4 digits): IBAN ES23 2051 0088 6210 7001 3142 With hose two codes/numbers you can transfer money from all nations on the planet directly to the account of the Palma Fire Brigade for their solidarity project. For those that know me and trust me, you can also donate to my personal paypal account on my test forum setup at http://todos-contra-matias.net/forum/ (http://todos-contra-matias.net/forum/) (Look for the "Donation" tab in the top tab row), I will (living in Spain) on my honor forward any donations to the Spanish solidarity project account mentioned above and inform donators making the accont transparent, paypal will automatically send you a receipt also. Thanks for your patience, Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 30 October 2010, 16:51:23 Ok, here the data to help from outside Spain, the Bank Identification Code (BIC) and the International Bank Account Number (IBAN):
BIC (Swift code) of Sa Nostra: CECAESMM051 Electronic IBAN (don't use for paper transfers): ES2320510088621070013142 Paper bank transfer IBAN (same as the electronic, but needs the word IBAN in front and is structured in groups of 4 digits): IBAN ES23 2051 0088 6210 7001 3142 With hose two codes/numbers you can transfer money from all nations on the planet directly to the account of the Palma Fire Brigade for their solidarity project. Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: TechAdmin on 31 October 2010, 14:27:53 Here an impressive "photo lane" about Alex "Harris" Ribas, almost seems impossible that this type of accident can happen to such a guy:
http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Ribas.htm (http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Ribas.htm) One example of all those impressive pictures: (http://www.bombersdepalma.com/ecos/2010/harris/Alex%20Harris_%20019.jpg) TA Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 31 October 2010, 18:54:31 Paco Perez, a fire figher of the Cos de Bombers Palma (Fire Fighting Corps Palma), just a few minutes ago sent me this video off their channel which shows the incident on August 6, the huge smoke expression, and the confusion, the shock and awe around the final moments of Alex.
And while the faint of heart might consider it rather graphic content, it is just how life is: I think many of us have no idea on how often our fire fighters risk their lives to help us citizens even in apparently minor incidents, how treacherous a fire can become and how even the well prepared fall prey (the title translates to "Villain and Treacherous Fire"). Incendio canalla y traicionero. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWVsUG1ZVWY#) FWIW, Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: stoffel on 1 November 2010, 08:57:36 Allthough times are harsh for me, losing 300 to 400 euros a month because the army has to save money, I think I can save something for this family.
Have to see whats left at the end of the month. Very striking to see the way the government handles this case. Cant they get some legal aid to force the government? Would be a nice change for a lawyer to make a name if he wins such a case. Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 1 November 2010, 10:08:13 As our politicians only move when pressured I expect that they sooner or later will move as the "sponsorship" campaign gains momentum. This is one goal: Make the politicians release the widow pension this lady has by law every right to.
Yesterday a facebook group to help the family has been created, here http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_173952769286780&ap=1 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_173952769286780&ap=1) On this page you can leave (most welcome) all comments, join the group, and follow what the press says and how things unfold. The press has already picked up on it (at least in Spanish), that is always a good sign. The well known and highly frequented blog "En favor de justicia" also reflects the campaign by now, see here (google translated): http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fafavordelajusticia.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fayuda-para-la-viuda-y-el-hijo-del.html (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fafavordelajusticia.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fayuda-para-la-viuda-y-el-hijo-del.html) Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 2 December 2010, 07:48:04 UPDATE:
After last and this month the firemen of Palma gave ten Euros each from their wage (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=es&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diariodemallorca.es%2Fsucesos%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fbomberos-destinan-parte-paga-companero-fallecido%2F621090.html) to help the lady, now the Palma City Council has moved. Here the details, the last paragraph and the comments are the interesting part (English automatic translation (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fultimahora.es%2Fmallorca%2Fnoticia%2Fsucesos%2Fultimas%2Flos-bombers-de-palma-reclaman-un-profundo-cambio-en-la-gestion-del-cuerpo.html)): Quote On the other hand, the full City Council, unanimously approved yesterday to grant an aid of 35,000 euros for the widow and the son of firefighter Alejandro Ribas, to address their precarious economic situation caused by his death in action during extinction a fire in a bar in Palma. While this still has nothing to do with her widow pension (still denied) it at least takes care of the most urgent stuff. We learn again about Spain: Press the politicians long enough, and they finally move where it makes sense. Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Koen on 2 December 2010, 10:02:31 UPDATE: After last and this month the firemen of Palma gave ten Euros each from their wage ([url]http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=es&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diariodemallorca.es%2Fsucesos%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fbomberos-destinan-parte-paga-companero-fallecido%2F621090.html[/url]) to help the lady, now the Palma City Council has moved. Here the details, the last paragraph and the comments are the interesting part (English automatic translation ([url]http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fultimahora.es%2Fmallorca%2Fnoticia%2Fsucesos%2Fultimas%2Flos-bombers-de-palma-reclaman-un-profundo-cambio-en-la-gestion-del-cuerpo.html[/url])): Quote On the other hand, the full City Council, unanimously approved yesterday to grant an aid of 35,000 euros for the widow and the son of firefighter Alejandro Ribas, to address their precarious economic situation caused by his death in action during extinction a fire in a bar in Palma. While this still has nothing to do with her widow pension (still denied) it at least takes care of the most urgent stuff. We learn again about Spain: Press the politicians long enough, and they finally move where it makes sense. Rattler smallclap ;; ...sorry, forgot about this one Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 2 December 2010, 14:22:57 -snip- We learn again about Spain: Press the politicians long enough, and they finally move to where it makes sense. smallclap ;; ...sorry, forgot about this one So, we learn also about the net: Repeat stuff 5 times, or it will be forgotten :whistle: . Press forum mates long enough, and they will move finally... wtf2 selfhammer whiteflag No offense meant, of course, the account number remains valid, Koen... ;D Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 4 January 2011, 22:39:37 Another update:
German Firefighters from Germany (Solingen) aired the story and made a good collection: (http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs762.ash1/165357_480729784261_534174261_6039060_4979846_n.jpg) Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 27 February 2011, 15:56:24 UPDATE: A square in the city of Palma Mallorca will be named after Alex: "PLAÇA D'ALEJANDRO RIBAS. Bomber (1976-2010)"
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_173952769286780&id=206098906072166 (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_173952769286780&id=206098906072166) In Catalan: Quote El día próximo miércoles 2 de marzo a la 12:30 se descubrirá la placa que dará nombre a la PLAÇA D'ALEJANDRO RIBAS.*Bomber (1976-2010)*** La plaza está situada entre els carrers del Pagell, d’Antoni Pomar i del Clot d’en Bernadet. Zona Can Pastilla Location: Code: http://maps.google.es/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=es&geocode&q=pagell%2C%20palma&aq&sll=39.556736%2C2.628822&sspn=0.070278%2C0.21904&ie=UTF8&hq&hnear=Calle%20de%20Pagell%2C%2007610%20Palma%2C%20Baleares%2C%20Islas%20Baleares&ll=39.536053%2C2.711509&spn=0.002197%2C0.006845&t=h&z=18 . (http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/181640_10150100082144262_534174261_6512862_7108691_n.jpg) Invitation by the Mayor of Palma if you want to share the official act of inauguration (MAR 2, 2011, 1230J): (http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/182476_10150100084539262_534174261_6512874_1619074_n.jpg) Just FYI (and thanks again for all who contributed to help his wife and son), Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 1 March 2011, 21:13:08 Update:
The Fire brigade of Palma officially appreciates all the help that came form the WaT members (even if we only raised - that I know of and moved - 17 Euros) and expressively invites all donators to the act tomorrow, should anybody want to attend, plz contact me or Koen (he has my tel number). OTOH, the Madrid fire brigade, who currently are on the street to fight for better equipment, more manpower and better working conditions (half of the parks dont even have running water) have dedicated a moment today to the death of Alex with an improvised "Bulerias" (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fes.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBuler%25C3%25ADa) performance, very moving from my POV (though even true Spanish speakers will not readily understand the lyrics): Madrid Fire Fighters Buleria for a Dead Comrade (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgytt4cO48U#) Bulería por la muerte de un bombero (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiggUDQ5III#) Rattler Title: Re: Urgent Appeal for Help Post by: Rattler on 14 April 2011, 01:16:26 Update:
The Palma fire brigade informs that through the sale of their solidarity calendar (as mentioned above) they created 11.000 Euros of income that went directly to the family of Alex Riba (the fire fighter that had died and whos death and the consequences were the base of this thread), and and additional roughly 3.000 Euros that were distributed between the NGO "Firefighters Without frontiers" and the Mallorcan FireFighter Team that competes for the world championship of fire fighting in New York. The press release as Google translator interprets it: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bombersdepalma.com%2Fsecretaria%2F2011%2FNOTA%2520DE%2520PRENSA%2520donativos.pdf (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=es&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bombersdepalma.com%2Fsecretaria%2F2011%2FNOTA%2520DE%2520PRENSA%2520donativos.pdf) Rattler |