Africa Fire Mission reaches thousands of people all around the world. From face-to-face instruction in Africa to our weekly online trainings, our impact is possible thanks to the generous support of our volunteers, instructors, and partners.
Our volunteers and instructors assist with our programs, help unload and pack gear, and provide valuable training to firefighters in Africa. We are so grateful for all the support we receive and would like to recognize two of our supporters through our annual Volunteer and Instructor of the Year Awards! These awards were made to recognize individuals who make significant contributions to AFM and, in turn, make a substantial impact on the people that AFM serves.
On October 11th, 2025, Africa Fire Mission will honor Brian Andersen and Kirstin Henley at our annual fundraising event, the Chama.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Africa Fire Mission thrives on volunteers. Our volunteers are at the heart of our organization and are a vital part of AFM being able to achieve its goals and objectives. These people from across North America, Africa, and Europe allow us to serve communities on a daily basis.
Dr. Kirstin Henley - Volunteer of the Year
Dr. Henley (Kiki) is a pediatric intensivist with extensive knowledge in medicine and EMS training. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Medicine and works in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. Early in Dr. Henley’s career, she had the opportunity to travel to Kenya to serve communities.
In 2023, Kiki was introduced to AFM through our partners at Missions of Hope International. She reached out about collaborating on a global grant for reducing deaths from life-threatening bleeding. At the time AFM had seen a need for training of first responders in “Stop the Bleed.” Combining Kiki’s love for Africa, her medical knowledge and her passion for research with AFM’s understanding of community connections, partnerships and replication model was a natural fit for partnership. In March, we successfully launched our Active Bleeding Control program and have already trained over 900 individuals.
Kiki fully embodies our mission to train, empower, support, and encourage firefighters in Africa and her leadership has allowed us to continue to grow!
Nancy Moore, AFM’s Executive Director, shared some words about her dedication to serving and her attitude while volunteering:
“Kiki is full of energy and passion for children, families and communities around the world! She has worked tirelessly to activate AFM and our partners to understand the barriers to care related to life threatening bleeding and to discover ways to prevent deaths by increasing first responder and bystander knowledge about what to do. We are already hearing the stories of lives saved as a result of the training and we are grateful to have Kiki on our team!”
Thank you, Kiki, for helping AFM expand its mission by equipping countries with new knowledge!! We look forward to serving with you for years to come!
INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR
When Africa Fire Mission travels with a team to provide training in Africa or other parts of the world, our team members volunteer their time, talents, and treasures to provide world class training to our partners. Our instructors undergo training in advance of the trip to prepare for the mission and plan the lessons that they will teach in our week long fire training events. We are fortunate to have many instructors return year after year who continue to build on the training that they have been providing as well as to build strong relationships with firefighters and our overseas partners.
Brian Andersen - Instructor of the Year
Brian Andersen is from North Dakota. He has over 20 years of experience in firefighting and served in both career and volunteer departments. He is an industrial safety coordinator and oversees safety compliance for a company in the Northwestern United States. Brian began volunteering with AFM in 2019, and has assisted with virtual trainings and traveled with AFM on several Mission Trips.
Later this year, Brian is joining us on our Mission Trip to Zambia. There, he will continue providing training and support to firefighters.
Brian encourages our team members and advocates for the firefighters. His heart for Africa is abundantly clear!
Brad Banz, an AFM volunteer and instructor that has served with Brian commented on Brian’s commitment to service and leadership:
“My first work with Brian was his first year in Nairobi. He quickly fit in with our team. He is a friendly face to everyone and his experience in rural fire protection is an important asset in training African firefighters how to do more with less, because he is able to share his experiences.”
Mike Kull, AFM’s Program’s Director, wrote about Brian’s work this year:
“Brian Andersen has been a blessing for Africa Fire Mission this year, and I’m excited that he is being honored as our Instructor of the Year! His increased participation with AFM has been evident through his leadership in numerous online virtual training sessions, where his expertise and enthusiasm have greatly impacted participants. His dedication extends beyond virtual settings, as he will also be joining us in Zambia for our upcoming in-person training, sharing his passion for serving and equipping communities. Brian’s reliability, integrity, and dedication are vital to the success and growth of AFM, making him an invaluable member of our team.”
Thank you, Brian, for helping AFM expand its mission through training and leadership. We look forward to serving with you for years to come!
Brian teaching in Kenya, 2019
Interested in attending the Chama to see us recognize these great individuals? Click the link below to learn more and purchase your tickets today!
Do you want to make a difference like our award recipients? Learn how you can become a volunteer or instructor with the link below!