The Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS) on Friday, October 28, 2022 initiated a major needs assessment tour of various fire substations in the country, beginning with major fire depots across Montserrado County.
The LNFRS said the assessment was necessary in order to catalogue and take prompt action, aimed at ensuring safety for lives and properties across the country, where necessary.
The Director General of the LNFRS, Col. Alex K. Dickson, during the tour particularly in Montserrado County, told reporters that President George M. Weah is concerned about fire disaster across the country.
Col. Dickson revealed that five mini fire engines (fire trucks) that are capable of moving into jam-packed communities and one firefighter ambulance are shortly expected in the country.
According to him, the arrival of the mini fire trucks will boost the LNFRS’ capacity in the fight against fire disaster, adding that the LNFRS will be in control of about thirteen fire trucks to fight fire incidents across the country.
The LNFRS boss explained that at the onset of the George Weah administration there was only a single fire engine, but due to the President’s apt negotiation the LNFRS received five fire engines from Liberia’s friendly partners.
Col. Dickson used the opportunity of the tour to thank the gallant men and women of the LNFRS for their dedicated services to the state.
“As firefighters, the work you do is sacrificial despite the salary you are paid,” Col. Dickson said. “Your job is a calling and not a vocation,” the Fire Chief asserted.
During the assessment of the various fire depots, several bags of rice as well as sachets of water and a cash purse were given to each depot as motivation for the work they do.
Also, the firemen, who were seen upbeat at the presence of their boss at their area of assignment, praised Col. Dickson for the visit, noting that his presence and motivation had inspired them more to serve with diligence and integrity.
However, they called on authorities at the LNFRS to augment their operational needs, including mattresses for men on sanctuary at night, regular medication for firefighters as well as in-door latrine facilities.
In response to the firemen’s request, Col. Dickson promised prompt action in delivering the needs of the firemen.
Col. Dickson clarified that the materials to be given the firemen were in addition to materials like mattresses and medication that are already deposited at every fire depot in the country.
The fire depots toured by the Fire Chief and team included Station 5 (S-5) in Paynesville, which Col. Dickson said is currently under renovation to be used as a clinic for firemen in the country as well as serve community dwellers; Sergeant Francis Sewon Memorial Station (S-4), Stephen Tolbert Estate; Col. Nathaniel Wesseh Memorial Station (S-2), Bushrod Island’s Bong Mines Bridge; and Station One (S-1), Ashmun and Gurley Street intersection, Central Monrovia.
Col. Dickson was accompanied by the Assistant Director General for Administration at the LNFRS, Col. Beauty Karrow, Chief of procurement, Korpo S. Morris, Gender Officer assigned at the LNFRS, Veronica Cassel, representatives of the LNFRS Human Resources Department, amongst others.