Monrovia, Liberia: President George Manneh Weah has assured his government’s commitment to supporting the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) in becoming effective and efficient, declaring that the government would provide five fire trucks to enhance its operations.
The Liberian President also saluted the men and women in the service for their selfless sacrifices and bravery they continue to demonstrate to save the lives of those in danger.
President Weah spoke on Friday at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) during the observance of International Fire Fighters Day organized by the Liberia National Fire Service.
He recounted how firefighters are often exposed to great danger and suffer grave injuries anytime they are called upon to their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
“They are trained to run towards danger, which does not only take bravery and courage, but also requires selfless commitment to assist others who are in danger of injury or death.”
According to President Weah, the enormity and complexity of the duties of fire fighters demand that they are accorded the highest respect. He said firefighters can only be up to task when they are trained and equipped – especially endeavoring to do their best with the little they have.
“We are aware of the challenges the Liberia National Fire Service face; the most glaring is the lack of serviceable and modern fire equipment, such as fire trucks,” the President noted. “What is obvious is the lack of training opportunities and facilities,” the President added.
President Weah said such inadequacies and deficiencies are a result of national budgetary constraints. However, he pledged to exert every effort to address the situation as the budget will allow – to make the Service more effective and professional.
He then called on the leadership of the National Fire Service to undertake initiatives and to reach out to friendly governments and organizations for assistance instead of looking up to the government alone.
Meanwhile, President Weah was also honored by the Liberia National Fire Service as the “Chief Fire Marshal.”
The program was graced by House Speaker Bhofal Chambers, onetime Director of the National Fire Service, Pro-Tempore Albert Chie, Justice Minister, Musa Dean and a host of government officials.
International Firefighters’ Day is observed on May 4. It was instituted after proposal emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia.
May 4 used to be a traditional Firefighters’ Day in many European countries, because it is the day of Saint Florian, Patron Saint of firefighters.