Laying down your Life for your Friends – Remembering Firefighter Obego

Laying down your Life for your Friends – Remembering Firefighter Obego, Nairobi Fire Service

By José – AFM Fire Safety Advocate, Kenya

“Help me to honor firefighter Obego fire engine operator of Nairobi fire who passed on 17th February 2020 at Nairobi West Hospital after a short illness. His selfless service to Nairobians and humanity at large will never be forgotten.”

Obego, as he was fondly called by his peers in the fire house, was a highly skilled gentleman with 30 years in the fire service. He was an operator (driver) and pump operator.  He was also a certified mechanic who would fix the fire engine when it broke down and needed repairs on it. Cadet Officer Obego was a selfless man. I remember him for a cheerful gentleman who would lift up one’s spirit whenever you went visiting the firehouse. As soon as you asked him of a certain fire that happened long time ago, he narrated the story and you would fill thrill run through your spine as if you were in the scene on that day. Operator Obego attended the August 7, 2007 bomb blast at the United States Embassy. He also attended the Hazmat fire at KEMSA medical storage facility at the industrial area where about five firefighters were rushed to the Nairobi West Hospital because of inhaling Ethanol from the stored medicine. Obego was at the Sinai oil spill fire at the Kwa Ruben slums that killed 95 people.  He was on hand for many national tragedies in Kenya during his 30year tenure.

Obego succumbed to lung cancer from his many years of fire service. My big brother Obego, thank you for your service. We’ll take it from here. Rest in Peace.  

When I learned of the news of Obego’s death, I met with Chief Fire Officer, Brain Kisali and Deputy Fire Chief Mboya to know what burial arrangements they have for our hero. During the meeting I gave my heartfelt condolences and asked to be given permission to raise money to support the funeral expenses that the family would undergo. Funerals in Africa can be extremely expensive and Obego had three wives and thirteen children. 

We rallied firefighters and first responders who were in the group to contribute 300 Kenya Shillings ($3) each to support the expenses. These were volunteer and career firefighters from various stations across the nation. Within a span of one week, we managed to rise up to 20,200Kenya Shillings ($202) which I got the privilege of handing over to Obego’s wives and brother in front of a guard of honor from International College Of Technology in Thika Fire Students. I was impressed by the overwhelming brotherhood that was bestowed to a firefighter who most of the firefighters had not met. The virtue of the firefighters learning that one of them was down, everyone was hands on deck to support overwhelmed me with courage. 

This was the first time the Kenyan fire service has come together to honor a fallen comrade.   I am honored to be a part of what I hope will be a new tradition in the fire service.  Honoring the firefighters that serve their communities. 

"Nothing About Us Without Us"

As I walked by the road side to Missions Of Hope International (MOHI), Pangani Center to my interview for the job advertised for the Fire Safety Advocacy position, I saw a big mural of a child and words written against the photo “Nothing about us without us”. That statement got me thinking which practical way will I get to work hand in hand with the Mathare community to include them? In my mind I had already been integrated into the MOHI mission statement that says “we educate, empower, restore and redeem vulnerable children, their families and communities through Christ”, even before I was confirmed for the job of Fire Safety Advocate for Africa Fire Mission, in collaboration with MOHI.

 After one month of three interview sessions, I was granted the job and shown my desk. We worked hand in hand with my supervisor who guided me through the process of penetrating into the community by including the residents in the process. Mathare slums are a community who are divided into different areas for government administration purposes that includes Polio disbursements, food distribution in times of crisis among other administration maters. My supervisor advised me to start from the Sub-county administration office and brief them what I intend to do and how it will impact positively to the Mathare community. It was one tedious and laborious uphill task that I got to encounter. From being requested to write letters to the City Hall administrator to aborted meetings that I felt wasted of my time and energy. This was short lived because as soon as I was still trying to figure out how I will be granted permission to operate with fire safety matters.  Then fire broke out inside of Mathare Bondeni area. The top most five story floor that housed fifty households caught fire. (One day before the fire, I had an opportunity to speak with the MOHI Bondeni center parents. I had shared with them the fire brigade number and also instructed them on what to say when they got the dispatcher.) I quickly put my protective attire and called the fire brigade only to be informed that someone had already activated the call from the community I had just trained a few days earlier. The Fire brigade got on the scene within a very short while and the fire was quickly extinguished. They were praised by the community for the first time in a very long time. This was the beginning of more beautiful things yet to come because out of this situation, I got to present the Bondeni Fire incident report to the sub-county administrator boss and I was automatically granted the “license” to operate inside Mathare community on condition that from time to time I will be reporting to him the findings and progress I am making towards my quest of reducing fire incidences in Mathare.

Africa Fire Mission invested more skills into my trade and taught me skills that helped me work with the community. I was put in class and studied CHE1 (Community Health Education 1) and CHE2 (Community Health Education 2). These were lessons that put into practice the slogan “Nothing about us without us”. I quickly got to identify the community champions in each area of Mathare and mapped them to get them trained in future. In our interaction, I came to know that the community champions’ children benefited directly in the MOHI programme. The community champions were also very happy to have me on board because they are affected directly with this fires and getting back to living a normal life is an uphill task.  I however worked with them by showing them the basics of putting out live fire. Before any engagement on the ground, I would call them for a morning brief and informed them of my intentions of getting to the ground and training the people in the community free of charge. In return they promised protection of my daily tools of trade that included my full PPE that I told them it assists me to put out real fires when the fire brigade shows up. Six months down the line, we have managed to work hand in hand with the community champions and we have put more than eight fires in which has seen up to four hundred homes get displaced. 

The road to victory is still far stretched.  I am seven months old in this mission. We are still working together with the sub-county office under new office bearers and we have blended well. The community champions are happy with the work we are doing and the fire brigades are feeling much safer when I am on the ground as they know that stones will not be thrown at them and that their tools are safe as they work in the fire scene. We are hopeful that one day,  fires will be history in Mathare, and all of Kenya and Fire brigades will stop having riot cages on their windows to avoid being thrown stones by the community for showing up late in the fire scene. For sure: Nothing for (about) them without the people of Mathare!

-       José, Fire Safety Advocate, Africa Fire Mission

Firefighter Mental Health - you can help your peers, friends, family

Peers, families and friends can support firefighters following a critical incident

by Nancy L. Moore, LISW-S, LCSW, CPCC, Director of Program AFM

Firefighters are exposed to sights, smells and experiences that others can hardly imagine. AFM is developing a firefighter mental health system of care that can be used to support firefighters around the world. Here is some information about critical incidents and ways that firefighters and their family/friends can help.

What Is A Critical Incident?    

A critical incident is often referred to as a crisis event.  Any event which has a stressful impact which overwhelms the normal coping skills of either an individual or a group of individuals may be considered a critical incident.  Critical incidents are typically sudden, powerful events which are outside the normal range of ordinary human experiences.  Unusual events can cause a strong emotional effect even on well-trained professionals and may impact the ability to function. 

Reactions to a stressful event may last a few days, weeks or months and occasionally longer depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With understanding and the support of loved ones, the stress reactions usually pass more quickly.  

Informational Facts: 

• Critical incident stress affects nearly all helping professionals. 

• A stress response is normal.

• No one is immune from the impact of critical incident stress regardless of past experiences or years of service.  Critical incident stress may occur at any time during their career. 

• Your loved one may experience a variety of thoughts and reactions OR they may experience numbness or absence of any response. 

• You may not understand what your loved one is going through, but offer your love, support and acceptance. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask what you can do that they would consider helpful. 

• Accept the fact that life will go on; theirs, yours, your children, and others around you. 

• Attempt to return to a normal routine as soon as possible. 

• Avoid entering into major decisions following a critical incident.  Your loved one’s ability to process information, problem-solve, and make decisions may be hampered at this time. 

What is Helpful.:

• Talking is GOOD medicine.  LISTENING is key.

• Encourage regular meals and plenty of rest. 

• Allow private time. 

• Exercise or take a walk together.

• Don’t take their anger and frustration personally. 

• Encourage, but do not pressure your loved one to talk about their experience. 

• Offer expressions of support and that you are sorry such an event occurred and you want to understand. 

• Reassure them they are safe. 

• Help with everyday tasks (cleaning, cooking, household)

Avoid:

• Critiquing, probing or attempting to fix the problem 

• Statements such as:

  • “It could have been worse.” 

  • “It’s fate.” 

  • “They asked for it.” 

  • “It’s God’s will.” 

  • “Quit if it bothers you that much!” 

Common Reactions and Symptoms of Concern 

Critical incidents trigger stress symptoms.  Stress symptoms usually occur in five different categories. There is greater potential for lasting harm the longer these symptoms persist.   Some examples include:

Cognitive/ Thinking

Poor Concentration

Difficulties with Calculations

Poor Attention Span    

Difficulty Making Decisions

Slowed Problem Solving   

Memory Problems

Emotional/ Feeling

Guilt  

Feeling Lost / Overwhelmed

Anger

Depression / Grief

Loss of Emotional Control

Physical/Body

Muscle Tremors

Chest Pains

Gastrointestinal Distress

Difficulty Breathing

Headaches

Elevated Blood Pressure 

Behavioral/Actions

Excessive Silence     

Sleep Disturbances

Extreme Behavioral Change   

Withdrawal from Contact 

Change In Work Habits

Changes in Eating Habits

Spiritual/ Relationship with God

Changes in Religious Involvement

Sense Of Isolation From God

Questioning Basic Beliefs

Loss Of Meaning Or Purpose  

Faith Practices Seem Empty

Withdrawal From Place Of Worship  

Anger At God 

Anger at Clergy

Spiritual Care

1 Peter 5:7

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Psalm 18:6-35

6In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice; my cry came before Him, into His ears... 16He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters... 32It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure... 35You make Your saving help my shield, and Your right hand sustains me; Your help has made me great.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Colossians 4:6 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Remember: 

• Suffering from the effects of critical incident stress is individual and completely normal. 

• Your loved one is probably not the only one that is experiencing critical incident related stress.  They are probably sharing some of their thoughts and reactions. 

• The thoughts and reactions will normally subside and disappear in time.  

• All phases of our lives overlap and influence each other: personal, professional, family, financial, spiritual, etc. 

• The impact of critical incident stress can be intensified by our own personal perspective and the status of family,  profession, financial, etc. 

• If the signs of stress that your loved one is experiencing do not begin to subside within a few weeks OR if they intensify, consider seeking further assistance through a counselor, chaplain or pastor 

Thinking of Joining a AFM mission trip? Here's what you can expect

Submitted by: Lukas Watcher, volunteer firefighter, Ettenkirch, Friedrichshafen, Germany

What was your experience like?

I joined  Africa Fire Mission at the end of October 2019 for a trip to Zambia and in hindsight I am happy to say that it was the expected opportunity to develop myself while I could to really meaningful work.  On the one hand there is a big lack of knowledge, good training and equipment which is sad to see but on the other hand there is a good thing, an important thing: There is motivation in the eyes of every Zambian firefighter we trained and there is a huge desire of improving in the fire service in Zambia. They need to be taught and most important they want to be taught – by us, by you! 

How did the trip impact you?

The trip had a huge impact on me because everyone of us believes to know about life in Africa and their needs, you can see that on TV whenever you want. But you don´t really KNOW when you haven´t been there. When I returned home I started to appreciate all these little things, like drinking water out of your water tap. I don´t want to say you need to go there to help, but you can support someone who does. I have been to different projects in Africa and I realized it is not done by donating money. You have to make sure that you know how the organization works. Africa Fire Mission is not just about supporting and raising funds which are afterwards wasted for non-sustainable goods. AFM is about training, empowering and encouraging. I am glad that I got the opportunity to experience how that works! 

What could others expect if they were to come on a AFM trip?

If you join an AFM trip you can expect a great time full of meaningful work, nice people and a new sight on fire service. You can improve while helping others to improve and you will be able to experience a very exemplary way of development aid. An AFM trip is a role model of encouraging, empowering, supporting and training and you will be hammered by the dedication and kindness of your team members – so was I! Somehow it is unique how people who are associated to the fire service work together – it is a big family and with AFM your on a family trip!   

Learn more about upcoming mission trips with AFM at: https://www.africafiremission.org/join-a-mission

Surprises at the Airport #afmkenya2019

We were stationed at the airport for our All Kenya Fire EMS Symposium and Competition 2019. One of the evenings, the airport Fire Chief arranged for our team to get passes to get an impromptu tour of the firehouse after we finished teaching. We did not think this could happen due to some of the other activities going on at the airport this week. This change put a crimp in the regular scheduled evening plans but who can pass up a firehouse tour right?

As we were pulling up to the firehouse, the siren sounded for an airport emergency. A plane was coming in from Lodwar to make an emergency landing due to a blown tire on take off. The plane decided to divert to JKIA instead of the small Wilson airport due to the crash rescue and repair services available at JKIA.

Being who we are, several of AFM team members managed to snag extra seats on the crash rescue trucks and the command car. The Chief even pulled a driver off of one of the other trucks and used 4 of our AFM guys to staff an extra crash rescue rig :)

We pulled out onto the taxiways and waited for the flight to arrive. 20 minutes later the plane landed safely and we chased it down the runway. It’s a rush doing 90 mph in a firetruck down a runway I have to tell you, but I digress. The plane pulled off into a revetment and we got out of the rigs to inspect the tires and make sure it was safe to unload the passengers. As we walked to the plane my phone rang. It was Tim Stewart, CMF international missionary to Missions of Hope International and friend. Low and behold he and his dad were on the plane and he saw us walking up.

After ensuring there was not going to be a fire, we unloaded plane. Tim and his dad Dan were the first off the plane. After bigs hugs all around with Tim and Dan and our team, they were loaded onto a bus and headed off to catch an Uber home - and to share their adventures with others.

Well, the day ended way different than we expected it to. Thankfully it ended safely and with a good story to tell.

-Dave Moore

Zambia 2019: AFM training programs

Many of the firefighters in and around Lusaka, Zambia, Kenya, wear personal protective equipment branded with logos from Fire Departments around the US, thanks to the efforts of the Africa Fire Mission.

During the last two weeks in October 2019, 10 retired and active firefighters from throughout the United States and one from Ravensburg, Germany volunteered their time and money to travel to Zambia, where they hosted an annual fire training symposium attended by more than 120 firefighters as part of the nonprofit organization Africa Fire Mission.

Chief Clemmensen, a retired Fire Chief from the Chicago Metro area, was the lead speaker on leadership for about 32 chief fire officers from fire brigades from all around Zambia.   Topics included “White Helmets (chief fire officers) and the Politicians”, Step-up and Lead, Incident Command System, and How to Building Stakeholders within the Community.  “We’re teaching the fire officers to be more self-reliant within their own government and the communities they serve,” Clemmensen said. “We don’t mind coming there and sharing our knowledge and experience with them so that they can become more responsible to their own fire brigades.”

Other classes being taught during the weeklong symposium were, Community Fire Prevention, Basic Chaplaincy for the fire service, and a hands-on Tactical class.  The symposium was held at the Eden University in Lusaka and in partnership with CAFFZAM (Campaign for Fire Free Zambia) and the Zambia Airport Corporation Limited.

ZACL has a dedicated and highly trained Fire and Rescue Service team who are always on standby in case of emergency. The brave men and women of this unit are also trained in First Aid with their principle objective being to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident or incident.

The Fire and Rescue Services team will respond to all aircraft emergencies within the airport's boundaries and will also respond to 'off airport' incidents that fall within an eight degree cone from the end of each runway.

All incidents that occur outside of the airport boundary are the responsibility of the local authority Fire Brigade and rescue service serving that location however special requests are sometimes made by the local authority and dependent on circumstance, major foam tenders may be dispatched as aid.

Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (only at Kenneth kaunda international airport), the Fire and Rescue Service team provides a wide range of emergency services including first aid and transportation.

Craig Duck, a retired Lieutenant from the Washington DC Fire Department, and president of the Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International taught a group of about 10 firefighters what it means to be a chaplain within a fire department or brigade. 

Brain Burkhardt, a retired Captain from the Greenfield (Indiana) Fire Department, taught a group of about 33 firefighters from the community and private sector, along with some citizens from the businesses from within communities about Fire Prevention and Outreach. “It’s not the sexy part of our curriculum, but fire prevention is what saves the most lives and has changed a lot of their culture,” Burkhardt said. “It’ll take decades to get the needed resources and upgrade the infrastructure, so fire prevention is the most important thing they can do today.”  Brain was also tasked with teaching all the attendees from each group the “Stop the Bleed” program, which is currently being taught in the US.

Finally, a group of four firefighters (Ryan Andersen, Brett Miller, and Jeff Hulley) from the South Metro (Colorado) Fire Department and the one firefighter (Lukas Wachter) from Germany, taught a group of about 21 firefighters on different firefighting tactics at the Lusaka Fire Brigade station.  It was interesting that the week prior to our visit, a group of firefighters from LA where teaching the Lusaka firefighters how to operate a fire engine that had been recently donated from LA city fire department.  

It was this donated fire engine that they used to supply water for the tactical class.

David Moore Jr., executive director, founded Africa Fire Mission in 2013. Moore started the nonprofit after seeing the living conditions while he was on a trip with his wife, Nancy, to Africa as part of Mission of Hope International. He said Africa Fire Mission now has about 30 regularly active participants and has decided to focus on training.  “What often happens with a lot of donations to developing countries is they end up sitting in storage somewhere because nobody ever teaches the recipients how to use the stuff, especially when the user manuals and labels are all in another language,” Moore said.

David Moore, Executive Director and Founder of Africa Fire Mission. Retired Fire Chief, Glendale, Ohio

 “When you go to developing countries, it’s unbelievable how poor some people can be and how much we take for granted in the US,” he said. “I know we have needy people in this country, but nowhere near the desperate levels of what you see in some developing countries.”

 Consider joining AFM on a future mission trip to Zambia or another country! Learn more at: https://www.africafiremission.org/join-a-mission

Author: Hank Clemmenson.

AFM receives 2019 APNET Community Engagement Award.

The African Professionals Network (APNET) honored Africa Fire Mission with the 2019 APNET Community Engagement Award.

Dr Prince Ellis, president of the Cincinnati based network said - “Your remarkable contributions and community investment in expanding access to critical resources, and developing sustainable capacity of fire departments across Africa, enhance the image and welfare of people of African descent. As a result, the APNET 2019 Selection Committee and Leadership Team believe that your commitment deserves recognition.”

The African Professionals Network celebrated this achievement at the 2019 APNET Symposium on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Union Hall, 1311 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. The theme for this year was Unlocking Africa’s Potential to the Community. Please visit https://symposium.africanprofessionalsnetwork.org/ for more information.

Thank you to Board Treasurer, Mike Burnham and his wife Laurie for accepting the award for AFM a the event.

Joe Hansen - Volunteer of the Year Award 2019

At Africa Fire Mission’s Chama, on October 12, 2019, we were pleased to present Joe Hansen with our volunteer of the year award.  Joe's began volunteering with AFM in 2014 when he was still a recruit in the Great Oaks Fire Academy.  Since then Joe has been part of the instructor cadre on two trips, (Kenya 2015 and Ukraine 2019) and he has taken on the role of gear donations coordinator.   Joe has spent hundreds of hours collecting, sorting and packing firefighting equipment for shipment to under resourced firefighters across the globe.  Thank you Joe for all you do for Africa Fire Mission!

Joe is a full time firefighter for the City of Springdale Fire Department.

Have you dreamt of taking an African Safari? Now’s your chance!

Silent Auction Item: South African Safari for 2 People -  valued at US $5,950

Silent Auction at the Chama - See details below to pre-bid and to set up to bid in absentia on October 12th. Silent Auction for the Safari will close at 10/12/2019 at 9:30PM

Safari Details:

• 6 days and 6 nights - accommodation for two people in a standard room at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge/Tented Camp.  These facilities are situated in the heart of Zululand and St. Lucia/Sodwana Bay Marine reserve/Lubombo corridor - one of the richest wildlife conservation regions in Africa.

• Location:  KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

• Includes: Full board, which is three delicious meals per day, prepared by the finest international chefs - with an African flavour of course.

• Two Game Viewing activities per day, guided by your own professional game rangers in open game viewing vehicles, in Zulu Nyala game reserve. (The filming location of "I dreamed of Africa" starring Kim Basinger)

• Value: US$5950

• ·This donation is valid for the period of two years from your auction date (until 10/12/2021) and bookings can be made for any period in the year.  

• Does not include airfare, transfers, side trips, personal beverages, or phone calls. 

• Additional Information about the Safari location and accommodations:  http://zulunyala.co.za.

• If you would like more specific information about this package, please contact  tech@africafiremission.org

Bidding

Pre-bidding is open:  Opening bid:  $2500; minimum amount to raise:  $100; to prebid on the Safari, email tech@africafiremission.org or text (513) 620-4236 with your bid.   AFM will post updates online and also send email/text updates to bidders. 

Bid at the Chama - get your tickets here - TICKETS

Can’t be there for the Chama to bid in person?   You can bid at tech@africafiremission.org or text (513) 620-4236   When you let us know you want to bid at the event, set a max for your bid and we will “assign a bidder” on your behalf at the Chama – if you’re max has been outbid at the event we will send you a text to offer you to go above your limit. 

We will post bidding updates on the Chama’s event page on Facebook.

 Donated by Trevor Shaw, Owner Zulu Nyala 

Special thanks to Art Howe for arranging this donation!

**The Zulu Nyala auction package is non-transferable and non-refundable, may not be given to any other person or organization.  

Kherson, Ukraine August 2019

This video give a great summary of AFM's first training trip in Kherson, Ukraine. Note the use of local, available resources to support the training. When equipment is not available to do the job - we work to get creative to support skill advancement with locally available tools and materials.

Winneba, Ghana July 2019

In collaboration with Charlottesville, Virginia Sister Cities program and Fire Department, AFM was able to donate personal protective equipment to Winneba, Ghana’s fire department. AFM is looking for opportunities to further our work in Ghana in 2020 in collaboration with the fire service and Medical Ambassador’s International.

José - Fire Safety Advocate - May 2019

In May 2019, Africa Fire Mission was able to hire José to work as a Fire Safety Advocate in Kenya.   José is a burn survivor and a firefighter He is be working with community groups training the community members in Community Health Evangelism - Fire Safety, helping start local volunteer fire brigades and helping us coordinate trainings for fire service in Kenya.  He is ministering to the community by showing him God’s love and through practical fire safety and response.  Please keep Jose in your prayers as he works to train community members and to develop volunteer fire departments in Kenya.   He recently shared this success with us: 

On July 13, I was headed to train staff at MOHI on how to use fire extinguishers, I had my bunker gear with me as I use it to show them how firefighters gear up. I learned that there was a fire nearby.  I diverted from my training and went to the fire scene. On scene, I unpacked my bunker gear by the footpath just near the fire engine. I could hear people say in Swahili "this is our fireman". I prepared so fast.

I then went to the fire commander and saluted and said “I'm at your service” for him to assign me to duty. He asked me to do a safety check and see if fire was at the back of the houses. I checked and reported back that all was well. He told me to go give backup to the nozzle man working on the ground. When I got to him, he was extremely exhausted. I took over and asked him to rest as he watched my back.  I needed him to watch my back because as firefighters in Kenya, we often get rocks thrown at us because community members believe that we do not come prepared (they think our trucks aren’t filled with water when we arrive because they run out of water (10,000 liters) so quickly).  A second fire engine was called and it acted like a water tanker back up. This was a relief because during my community fire prevention and response sessions, I explain to them how firefighters and fire engines operate and why water gets depleted so quickly. 

After training nearly 3,000 community members in 3 months’ time, the firefighters are now beginning to be accepted in the community.  My dream is to one day see no fire engine with riot cages on its window panes.

After putting out the fire, more community members saw me on scene and were giving me fist bumps as they identified with Africa Fire Mission – their fireman, being on the ground. It was truly humbling. Our little light has started shining.   I’m already following up to see how we can train members in this local area for early emergency response.

May all AFM’s partners know that their help is truly bearing fruit and touching lives. We shall not relent on this battle of fire.

Kiev & Kherson Ukraine May 2019

In November 2018, AFM was approached by Tavreski Christian Institute and the Kherson, Ukraine, State Emergency Services Unit (Kherson Fire Department), to assist in Kherson, Ukraine by expanding our program there. While skeptical at first of expanding outside of Africa, we seriously considered the request and after very fruitful meetings and discussions it was determined that the goals, objectives and needs in Ukraine were in line with AFM’s mission. In April 2019, AFM donated and shipped 350 sets of firefighter protective clothing, training materials and a set of Jaws of Life to Kherson. And in May 2019, Executive Director, Dave Moore visited Ukraine to better understand the need of the fire service.

Nairobi and Kiambu Kenya April 2019

In April 2019 AFM had the privilege of participating in the first conference of the newly formed Chief Fire Officer’s Association of Kenya. Over 25 counties were represented, including about 3 counties with newly formed fire departments.

FREETOWN SIERRA LEONE FEBRUARY 2019

In partnership with Bloomington, Indiana Fire Department Africa Fire Mission was able to send gloves, flashlights and a few other safety items as 4 Bloomington Firefighters worked in Freetown with their firefighters. We look forward to other opportunities to partner in Sierra Leone in the future!

NAIROBI, MURANGA & KILIFI, KENYA DECEMBER 2018

AFM instructors provided training for the 4th year in Kenya. Our team of 13 US firefighters and 10 CHE workers from Missions of Hope International provided a week of training in Muranga, Kenya. Training topics included Community Fire Prevention, Tactical Firefighting, Leadership and Emergency Vehicle Operations. Partners from Polish Aid (PCPM) and Kenya Council of Emergency Medical Technicians provided First Aid and EMS training.

It was exciting to see the advancements of the fire service including more volunteer firefighters. The fire services is rapidly expanding their connections with communities through integration of community fire prevention and basic first aid especially with children and motorcycle drivers. Reports of over 500,000 individuals trained in community fire prevention since November 2017!

Team members were also able to visit fire stations in Nairobi, Kenya; Mariakani, Kenya as well as the firefighters at JKIA (Nairobi's international airport).

Arsal, Béqaa, Lebanon City, Lebanon October 2018

Mutual Aid - An agreement among emergency responders to lend assistance across jurisdictional boundaries due to emergency needs. 

Winter is fast approaching the mountains of Lebanon where many Syrian refugee camps and informal settlements are located. Fires are a constant threat in these settlements and even more so in the winter time as the temperatures plummet and the communities struggle for warmth to survive the winter. 

Fires in these camps are disastrous and often catastrophic to both life and the few possessions the community members have. Fire can quickly overwhelm the capabilities of the local fire departments and community services leaving an already vulnerable population even more vulnerable.

Three weeks ago, my friends and partners at Polish Aid reached out for mutual aid to complete fire safety trainings and to install firefighting equipment in dozens of settlements to help protect these areas from the ravages of fire before the harsh winter sets in. 

Today, I find myself sitting in a small cafe, reflecting on my first 5 days serving here in Lebanon alongside my Polish, Lebanese and Syrian friends. One part of my wonders how in just three weeks time I ended up on an impromptu, last minute trip to Lebanon and I just shake my head and smile. Another part of me wonders what on earth God has up his sleeve as new opportunities to serve others across the world seem to be opening up more and more.

I am intrigued to see what the next two weeks have in store as this group of firefighters from Poland, America and Lebanon works together, in mutual aid, to serve the informal settlements, the surrounding Lebanese communities and the Lebanese fire service.

-Dave

NAIROBI, KIAMBU, MURANGA & KILIFI, KENYA - JUNE/JULY 2018

In June and July, teams from Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, Illinois and Generations Christian Church, Trinity Florida provided Fire Prevention Training at Missions of Hope International. Over 3500 children and their teachers received life-saving information about preventing and responding to fires. There had been a fire at one of the Missions of Hope schools early in 2018 and the timing of this training was critical in the Mathare Valley as well as in Turkana, Kenya. Where there is no fire brigade.

Nancy Moore, director of programs, met with fire service leadership in Kilifi, Nairobi, Muranga and Kiambu Counties to continue planning for our 2018 fire symposium and to see the progress that is occurring. Kilifi and Nairobi Counties have boreholes under construction at their fire stations; Kiambu county has started a new fire station in Kiambaa – allowing them better access to this growing community “you have to start somewhere” – the fire station is a shack. Nairobi is now able to respond to more fires thanks to a partnership with Belgium Aid which has provided new fire trucks.

Mariakani Fire Brigade in Kilifi County serves about 300,000 people. Since November 2017 they have trained over 60,000 children and adults in fire safety. They are using community development principles to do this by using locally available resources to serve their community in the best way possible. They are proud of their work. The Mariakani Fire Brigade has also started 3 Jr Firefighter programs, one for children that live near the fire station and come to the fire station for programs and 2 programs at local schools. These children have successfully suppressed one small fire that could have resulted in a much larger fire without the knowledge of these children. Mariakani has also started Friends of Firefighters Fellowship - a local church that meets at the fire station

NAIROBI, KENYA - OCTOBER 2017 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

What would you do if you see a fire? Yell: FIRE FIRE FIRE! What would you do if your clothes catch fire? STOP DROP and ROLL! What would you do if your house is on fire? GET LOW and GET OUT!

Those are the words to our new fire prevention song that was introduced in Kenya during this mission. In the U.S. nearly everyone knows the number for the fire department, how to exit their home safely in a fire and many more fire safety and prevention techniques.

Imagine not knowing how to call the fire department when you needed them, or not knowing what to do if your clothes caught fire. How helpless would you feel? We’ve set out to change that helpless feeling into knowledge across Africa.

A team of 22 people from fire departments, churches and communities all across the U.S. came together in Nairobi to share the message of fire safety and God's love to the children and staff at the Missions of Hope International’s Kosovo School. During this amazing week, the AFM team taught the kids fire safety, shared the Bible and played games with the students, created songs and dances with the students and showed God’s love to the kids and staff.

Now 40 teachers, 1100 school kids, their families and friends in the Mathare Valley of Kenya know what to do and who to call when fires break out and how to safely evacuate their school in case of fire.

ZOMBA, LILONGWE & BLANTYRE, MALAWI MAY 2017

Malawi is one of most beautiful places in the world and also one of the poorest. Landlocked in south-central Africa it is a heavily agrarian country that is prone to food insecurity (famine) and long-term power outages.

Nancy and I visited Malawi for 3 weeks in May at the invitation of Namikango Mission to explore how Africa Fire Mission could serve Malawi and partner with Namikango as a way to help their mission connect to the community. Missionaries Ryan and Justine had previously served at Missions of Hope in Kenya before moving to serve in Malawi 3 years ago. They had seen the impact AFM and MOHI had on the Mathare Valley and hoped to do the same in Malawi.

While in Malawi, we met with fire service leaders across the country to find ways AFM could minister to them. We learned that in Malawi, a country roughly the size of Pennsylvania, there are only FOUR fire departments and roughly 200 firefighters. Pennsylvania along has over 1800 fire departments. The country of Malawi has never bought any of their own fire trucks or fire equipment. They have relied on aid from the UK and Japan but they wish to change this. They wish to provide the services their communities needs with the right kind of equipment. The leaders are smart and know what it take to move forward but they just need some support and encouragement which Africa Fire Mission will be providing. The fire service leaders were impressed by the CHE curriculum that AFM has developed and were thrilled that we were able to train them and provide them copies of the training so that they could immediately go out in the communities and share the messages of both fire safety and God's love.

Moving forward, as a first step, we have invited the fire service from Malawi to attend the 2nd All Zambia Fire Academy in Lusaka this September. Zambia is a neighboring country and they Malawians a striving to emulate the successes that have occurred in the fire services across Zambia. We are looking forward to connecting our partners in Zambia and Malawi together as we all work to collaborate and provide strong and effective fire prevention and response services that will keep people safe!