Excerpts from ChicagoTribune.com:
Many firefighters in and around Nairobi, Kenya, are seen wearing gear marked with the name of the Chicago Fire Department. This isn’t a coincidence. A group of 14 U.S. firefighters, including retired and active personnel, 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.
The event, organized by the organization, focused on leadership development, with Hank Clemmensen, a former fire chief, leading discussions for about 25 fire department chiefs from surrounding areas. Topics included how to engage with local politicians and community leaders—essential skills for effective firefighting in developing regions.
David Moore Jr., founder and executive director of Africa Fire Mission, previously served as a firefighter in Ohio. He met Clemmensen while both were involved with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, where Clemmensen’s extensive network and experience made him a valuable asset to the mission.
Moore launched the nonprofit after witnessing the dire conditions during a trip with Mission of Hope International. Since then, the organization has grown to include around 30 active volunteers. However, due to the high cost of shipping used equipment across the globe—around $20,000—the focus has shifted toward training rather than direct donations.
“A lot of donated equipment ends up in storage because people don’t know how to use it, especially when the manuals are in a different language,†Clemmensen explained. “That’s why we prioritize education.â€
Moore credited Clemmensen and Lt. Brooks Watson of the Chicago Fire Department for recent equipment donations. U.S. fire departments require strict documentation before allowing any gear to be shipped abroad, as regulations prevent equipment older than 10 years from being used domestically.
Historically, Nairobi had only one fire truck, stationed at the airport to reassure international travelers. Many embassies and large corporations maintained their own private fire response teams. But today, the situation is changing, thanks to efforts like those of Africa Fire Mission.
According to Clemmensen, the most vulnerable populations are the one million residents living in five Nairobi slums, where homes are often constructed from scrap materials. These communities are at the highest risk during fires, making the need for proper training and equipment even more urgent.
Some participants in Africa Fire Mission’s December training near Nairobi, Kenya, wore protective gear donated by the Chicago Fire Department. (Africa Fire Mission photo)
American Car Dodge exhaust manifold assembly,American Car Dodge exhaust manifold adapter,American Car Dodge exhaust manifold adapter kit
Ningbo Lingmai Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. , https://www.lingmaimfg.com