Published: May 6, 2025
MONROVIA – Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has called on the Government of Liberia and its development partners to prioritize fire safety nationwide by providing the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) with the necessary financial and logistical support.
Serving as guest speaker at the official program commemorating International Firefighters’ Day on Monday, May 5, 2025, in Monrovia, Senator Dillon stressed the urgent need to institutionalize fire prevention, provide adequate funding, and professionalize emergency preparedness.
“This means better training for our firefighters, modern equipment, rapid response systems, and public education campaigns in schools, communities, places of worship, and marketplaces,” Dillon said.
The event brought together senior government officials, members of the joint security forces, international partners, and national policymakers under the theme: “Ensure Fire Safety; Contribute Toward Nation Building.”
“We cannot continue to treat fire disasters as occasional events,” the Senator emphasized. “Nation building requires safe spaces.”
As Chair of the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, and a ranking member of the Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims, and Petition Committee, Senator Dillon envisioned a safer, stronger, and more united Liberia—one where homes are protected from recurring fire outbreaks and fire service professionals are well-equipped and respected.
He urged the government and its partners to invest in fire safety with the same seriousness given to infrastructure, healthcare, and education. “If we lose our roads, schools, and hospitals to fire, we undermine our own development,” he warned.
According to Dillon, fire safety begins with awareness, grows with responsibility, and flourishes through unity. “Let us ensure fire safety. Let us contribute toward nation building,” he urged.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with fellow lawmakers to strengthen legislation and secure budgetary support for the LNFS. He also promised to advocate for the decentralization of firefighting units to all counties and major cities, the development of risk-reduction strategies, and stricter enforcement of building safety and flammable materials regulations—especially concerning petroleum products.
Senator Dillon stressed that fire disaster prevention cannot rely solely on government efforts. He called on all Liberians to be active participants in promoting fire safety.
“From household fire extinguishers to workplace drills, from reporting hazards to following safety guidelines—we all have a role to play,” he said. “A safer Liberia is not the job of a few; it is the responsibility of us all.”
He paid tribute to firefighters who have died in the line of duty, calling their bravery an inspiration. “Their memory must guide us, and their courage must be honored. Let us also celebrate those who continue to serve our nation with dedication.”
Dillon described International Firefighters’ Day as a time to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who run toward danger when others flee. He added that this year’s theme is timely and deeply relevant.
“Fire safety is not just a technical or emergency concern—it is a national development issue,” he said. “It affects our homes, schools, markets, hospitals, workplaces, and the overall social and economic well-being of Liberia.”
“Firefighters are not just emergency responders,” Dillon concluded. “They are guardians of life, protectors of property, and defenders of public safety. Every life saved, every home protected, every child pulled from the flames—these are the building blocks of a better Liberia.”
He urged policymakers to move beyond ceremony and embrace transformation. “Let this day ignite within us the fire of patriotism, vigilance, and collective action.”
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