STAND Appeals for Assistance to Equip Liberia Fire Service Department

By: William K. Howard

Congo Town: Liberia’s prominent civil society organization, (STAND) with urgency attached to the growing waves of continuous fire outbreak across Liberia, has written the United States Embassy near Monrovia, soliciting their assistance to aid the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFS).

According to STAND in a letter addressed to the office Charge d’Affaires confronting the increasingly alarming fire outbreaks that persistently devastates the nation, leading to tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to properties, STAND is equally compelled to urgently seek assistance for the fire disasters from the U.S. Embassy, especially in light of a recent statement by Mr. Edwin Tisdell, the Deputy Director for Operations at the Liberia National Fire Service.

Mr. Tisdell's statement according to STAND underscores that the Liberia National Fire Service is unable to effectively combat these fire outbreaks due to the increasing demand for fire service, inadequate equipment, and limited financial and logistical support.

Therefore, this grave fire menace has prompted STAND to turn to no other source for urgent assistance than our traditional partners, the United States of America, given Liberia's long-standing relationship with them.

STAND recognizes that these fire tragedies not only claim precious lives and destroy homes but also exacerbate the already challenging socio-economic conditions. Small businesses, academic institutions, and even religious establishments experience significant losses and disruptions, further increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities for struggling institutions and ordinary citizens. This situation poses a growing threat to Liberia's national security and the country nurturing democracy.

While urging the Liberia National Fire Service to intensify its efforts to investigate these fire outbreaks, STAND re-echoes its humble appeal for logistical support to the Liberia National Fire Service, with additional training programs and workshops to improve urgent firefighting skills and knowledge critically needed to mitigate risks and save lives.

Additionally, STAND is also appealing for safety uniforms for those they described as brave and courageous firemen, which are vital to ensuring their personal safety during emergency responses. Proper attire not only shields them from harm but also improves their professionalism, visibility, and credibility in the public.

Below is the full text of STAND’S LETTER:

Ms. Catherine Rodriguez

Charge d’Affaires

US Embassy

Benson Street

Monrovia, Liberia

16 April 2024

Ref: Urgent Appeal for Assistance to Equip Liberia Fire Service Department

Dear Ms. Catherine Rodriguez,

The officers and members of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Liberia’s prominent civil society organization, extend our compliments to you and the American people. With urgency attached to this communication, we are soliciting your assistance to aid the Liberia National Fire Service in confronting the increasingly alarming fire outbreaks that persistently devastate our nation, leading to tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to properties.

STAND is equally compelled to urgently seek assistance for the fire disasters from the U.S. Embassy, especially in light of a recent statement by Mr. Edwin Tisdell, the Deputy Director for Operations at the Liberia National Fire Service. Mr. Tisdell's statement underscores that the Liberia National Fire Service is unable to effectively combat these fire outbreaks due to the increasing demand for fire service, inadequate equipment, and limited financial and logistical support. Therefore, this grave fire menace prompts STAND to turn to no other source for urgent assistance than our traditional partners, the United States of America, given our nation's long-standing relationship with you.

STAND recognizes that these fire tragedies not only claim precious lives and destroy homes but also exacerbate the already challenging socio-economic conditions. Small businesses, academic institutions, and even religious establishments experience significant losses and disruptions, further increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities for struggling institutions and ordinary citizens. This situation poses a growing threat to Liberia's national security and our nurturing democracy.

While urging the Liberia National Fire Service to intensify its efforts to investigate these fire outbreaks, STAND re-echoes its humble appeal for logistical support to the Liberia National Fire Service, with additional training programs and workshops to improve urgent firefighting skills and knowledge critically needed to mitigate risks and save lives.

Additionally, STAND appeals for safety uniforms for our brave and courageous firemen, which are vital to ensuring their personal safety during emergency responses. Proper attire not only shields them from harm but also improves their professionalism, visibility, and credibility in the public.

STAND assures the Embassy of the United States of America of our utmost consideration. We will persist in reminding our national government to prioritize essential services during budgetary debates, emphasizing the need to enhance good governance practices by intensifying efforts to combat public corruption and improve accountability.

Thank you.

With the highest esteem,

Best regards,

Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr.

Chairman