-During U.S. Mission
By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia — The Director of the Liberian National Fire Service (LNFS), G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr., has returned to the country following a successful mission to the United States, where he forged partnerships and secured critical firefighting and emergency response equipment aimed at addressing Liberia’s longstanding resource gaps.
Director Barvoul began his visit in Orlando, Florida, where he participated in the International Fire Chiefs Conference. The global gathering brought together fire service leaders to discuss fire safety, emerging technologies, and best practices for improving firefighting systems. At the event, Barvoul presented Liberia’s challenges and outlined reforms his leadership is pursuing to modernize the LNFS.
While in Florida, he also held a town hall meeting with six Liberian community groups. He briefed them on the agency’s work and challenges, highlighted the need for international solidarity, and encouraged Liberians abroad to support reforms that would strengthen fire safety and emergency response back home.
From Orlando, Barvoul traveled to Aurora, Illinois, where he toured emergency management systems and joined in celebrating the election of a Liberian-born mayor. He also met with the Aurora Fire Department and other local fire chiefs to explore avenues for cooperation, training exchanges, and resource-sharing.
The mission later extended to Chicago and New York City, where Barvoul engaged with partners including firefighting professionals from Baltimore, Maryland, and Fountain, West Virginia. These discussions led to the mobilization of vital donations for Liberia’s fire service.
As a result of his outreach, the LNFS has secured more than seventy sets of personal protective equipment, fifty-five pairs of firefighting boots, and thirteen automated external defibrillators. The donations also include one emergency medical stretcher, a variety of fire helmets, several EMS medical shock suits, more than 6,000 feet of fire attack and supply hoses, nasal medical devices, and bag valve mask assortments.
According to the LNFS, these supplies represent a significant step toward bridging the acute equipment shortages that have hampered the agency for years. They are expected to enhance the capacity of firefighters and emergency medical responders nationwide, ultimately strengthening Liberia’s ability to protect lives and property.
Reflecting on the trip, Director Barvoul described the mission as a clear example of the power of global partnerships and community engagement. He pledged to continue building international networks to modernize the Liberian fire service, improve operational readiness, and ensure that fire safety remains a priority in the country’s broader development agenda.
