Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Firefighters in and around Nairobi, Kenya, are increasingly using gear that once belonged to the Chicago Fire Department. A group of 14 U.S. firefighters, including retired and active members, recently returned from a two-week trip to Kenya, where they conducted an annual training seminar for over 250 local firefighters through the nonprofit Africa Fire Mission.
Hank Clemmensen, a former fire chief and current board member with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, was one of the speakers at the event. He led a session on leadership for about 25 fire chiefs from nearby regions, discussing topics such as how to engage with local politicians and community leaders.
David Moore Jr., founder and executive director of Africa Fire Mission, explained how he first got involved with the cause. After a trip to Africa with Mission of Hope International, he witnessed the dire conditions faced by many communities and decided to take action. Today, the organization has around 30 active volunteers and focuses primarily on training due to the high cost of shipping equipment across the globe.
Clemmensen emphasized the importance of proper training when it comes to donated equipment. “Many donations end up unused or stored away because people don’t know how to use them, especially when the manuals are in a different language,†he said.
Moore credited Clemmensen and Lt. Brooks Watson of the Chicago Fire Department for their recent donation of protective gear. U.S. fire departments require extensive documentation before allowing any equipment to be shipped overseas, as most can only be used for a limited time due to safety regulations.
Historically, Nairobi had very few fire resources. For years, there was only one fire truck stationed at the airport, mainly to serve international travelers. Many embassies and large companies maintained their own private fire response teams, leaving the general population without adequate protection.
Clemmensen highlighted the risks faced by residents of Nairobi’s five largest slums, home to about one million people. These areas consist of small homes made from scrap materials, making them highly vulnerable to fires.
The training sessions not only help improve emergency response capabilities but also build stronger connections between U.S. and Kenyan firefighters. With continued support and collaboration, the goal is to ensure that communities in Kenya are better prepared to handle emergencies and protect their citizens.
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