The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has appreciated Orange Liberia for sponsoring two groundbreaking international programs in Occupational Health and Safety training in Paris, France, and Peer Review training in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This investment is strengthening Liberia’s frontline protectors with world-class knowledge and exposure. The initiative provided the LNFS team with a rare opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, learn best practices, and build valuable partnerships.
Speaking over the weekend at the appreciation program in Monrovia, LNFS Director G. Warsuwah Barwoul said the delegation to Ivory Coast was two males and one female while two males went France. He said the team in Ivory Coast toured the Orange Headquarters, several fire service stations, ship repair center, the twin towers, and the Félix Houphouet-Boigny Foundation in Yamoussoukro.
According to him, the visits exposed the team to international standards in fire service operations and advanced safety practices. Barwoul noted that the trip was rewarding. He said the difference between both countries’ firefighters is that Ivory Coast firefighters fall under the Military while LNFS fall under the Ministry of Justice .
He explained that Ivory Coast firefighters are only interested in stopping the fire but not to know cause of the fire; adding that the team that went France learned a lot from training. “The LNFS has written the Ministry of Education for awareness to be given to children at various schools across the country because if children are educated at the schools, they can share the knowledge with their parents,” he said.
He appealed to Orange Liberia to help LNFS built a substation in Johnsonville to help ease the burden of fire service whenever there is fire incident in that area. He thanked Orange Liberia for the partnership with LNFS and said he looks forward to more engagements.
He said the exchange of knowledge with Military Firefighters Brigade of Côte d’Ivoire (GSPM) was impactful with both sides benefiting from shared experiences and innovative approaches to fire and safety management. Orange Liberia Chief Executive Officer, Jean Marius Yao said the company has been partnership with LNFS for many years now.
He stated that Orange is not just here to make business but to also support the nation and give back through this initiative which is part of their agenda. Marius promised that they will review the report and recommendations contained by LNFS for their next budget to help the Fire Service deliver its mission and serve the people. He applauds LNFS for coming back to appreciate the company because it is the first time for a report to be presented.
