Collaboration with Liberia National Fire Service lays groundwork for sustained training, leadership development and community fire safety
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Africa Fire Mission (AFM), joined by leadership from the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), recently completed its first visit to Liberia, working alongside the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) to explore a long-term partnership to strengthen the country’s fire and emergency services.
The visit brought together fire service leaders and instructors from the United States and Kenya with Liberian firefighters to exchange experience, identify training priorities and discuss how sustained collaboration could support LNFS leaders and the firefighters they serve.
Fire Chief John Butler, past president of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, joined the AFM team to represent Metro Chiefs and contribute his leadership experience. The collaboration connected Metropolitan fire service leadership with AFM’s approach to building sustainable capacity through training, empowerment, support and encouragement.
Investing in Firefighters and Fire Service Leaders
Hands-on training with LNFS firefighters was a central part of the visit. Working directly with Liberian personnel also gave the visiting team an opportunity to better understand local operating conditions, available resources and the challenges firefighters face in protecting their communities.
Discussions with LNFS explored practical training needs and opportunities for a longer-term partnership. A key focus was how future collaboration could strengthen both operational skills and the leadership needed to sustain improvements across the fire service.
AFM’s approach emphasizes developing local instructors and leaders who can share knowledge with their colleagues, adapt training to their operating environment and continue building skills between international visits. This train-the-trainer model provides a foundation for extending the reach of future training and supporting locally led progress.
Firefighters in Liberia pose for a photo with an AFM team member.
“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.”
Connecting Firefighter Training with Community Safety
The team also conducted fire safety drills and training at Missions of Hope International’s school in Liberia, connecting firefighter training with the prevention and preparedness needs of local communities.
School fire safety activities complement operational training by helping students and staff recognize risks and practice evacuation procedures. They also create opportunities to strengthen relationships between fire services and the communities they protect.
The visit established a foundation for continued discussions among AFM, Metro Chief's and LNFS about future firefighter training, instructor development and leadership collaboration. Those discussions will help shape a partnership guided by Liberian priorities and focused on sustainable improvements in public safety.
Join a Future Mission
AFM invites firefighters, fire service leaders and instructors to share their skills and experience by joining a future mission. Team members work alongside African colleagues to provide practical training, mentor emerging leaders and strengthen community fire safety while learning from the experience and resourcefulness of local fire services. To explore upcoming opportunities and ways to get involved, visit our Join a Mission page.
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)
About Africa Fire Mission
Founded in 2012, Africa Fire Mission is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization committed to increasing the sustainable capacity of fire and emergency services across Africa. Through training, empowerment, support and encouragement, AFM works alongside local leaders to develop firefighters and instructors, strengthen community fire prevention and improve access to protective equipment.
AFM brings together fire service professionals from Africa, the United States, Canada and Europe. Its active projects include work in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Liberia.
About the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association
The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association advances quality fire, emergency medical and specialized services through leadership, action and partnerships. Working in coordination with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Fire Protection Association, the association supports continuous improvement in emergency services and the protection of metropolitan communities.
