Africa Fire Mission (AFM) recently concluded its first visit to Liberia, collaborating with the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) to investigate a long-term partnership to improve the nation's fire and emergency services. AFM was joined by leadership from the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs).

In order to share experiences, determine training objectives, and talk about how long-term cooperation could benefit LNFS leaders and the firefighters they serve, the tour brought together fire service leaders and instructors from the United States and Kenya with Liberian firefighters.

In order to represent Metro Chiefs and provide his leadership expertise, Fire Chief John Butler, a former president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, joined the AFM team. Through training, empowerment, support and encouragement, the partnership linked the leadership of the Metropolitan Fire Service with AFM's strategy for developing sustainable capability.

A major component of the visit was practical training with LNFS firefighters. The visiting team had the chance to gain a deeper understanding of local operating conditions, available resources and the difficulties firefighters encounter in safeguarding their communities by working closely with Liberian personnel.

Practical training requirements and prospects for a longer-term collaboration were discussed with LNFS. A major emphasis was on how future cooperation could bolster the leadership and operational abilities required to maintain advancements throughout the fire service.

AFM's strategy places a strong emphasis on producing local leaders and instructors who can impart information to their peers, modify training to fit their workplace and keep honing their abilities in between trips abroad. This train-the-trainer approach lays the groundwork for expanding the scope of subsequent training and encouraging locally driven advancement.

“Strong fire services depend on investing in people — the firefighters responding to emergencies and the leaders responsible for preparing and supporting them,” said Nancy Moore, co-founder and executive director of Africa Fire Mission. “Our role is to work alongside Liberian leaders, understand their priorities and help build training capacity they can sustain and grow. Bringing together African and international fire service experience creates opportunities for shared learning that benefit everyone involved.”

Additionally, the team connected firefighter training with the preventative and preparedness requirements of local populations by conducting fire safety drills and training at Missions of Hope International's school in Liberia.

By assisting staff and students in identifying hazards and practicing evacuation techniques, school fire safety exercises enhance operational training. Additionally, they provide chances to improve bonds between fire departments and the communities they serve.

The visit laid the groundwork for future conversations about leadership cooperation, instructor development and firefighter training with AFM, Metro Chiefs and LNFS.

These talks will contribute to the development of a collaboration centered on long-term advancements in public safety and directed by Liberian goals.

By participating in a future mission, AFM encourages teachers, firefighters and fire service professionals to contribute their knowledge and expertise. In addition to learning from the expertise and ingenuity of local fire services, team members collaborate with African colleagues to promote community fire safety, mentor up-and-coming leaders and offer hands-on training. 

Visit https://www.africafiremission.org/join-a-mission to learn about future opportunities and ways to become involved. 

Team members in Liberia included: Chief Dave Moore (AFM Founder, Chief John Butler (Past President, Metro Chief's, Fire Chief, Fairfax County, VA) Chief of Fire Aviation for Texas A&M Forest Service), Chief Tim Baker (Fire Chief, Alpena, MI), Nancy Moore (Co-Founder and Executive Director) and Fire Safety Officer, José Ngunjiri (Nairobi, Kenya).