Encourage Firefighters. Empower Yourself

Each year, firefighters from around the world travel to Africa to train firefighters

Firefighters in countries like Kenya, Zambia, and Malawi are dedicated to their profession and have a hunger for service to their communities. At the same time, the circumstances in their local communities make it difficult to take the next step forward in developing their departments. Often, these firefighters lack basic training and equipment that’s standard in the U.S.

This is where Africa Fire Mission, or AFM, steps in. For the last 14 years, career and volunteer firefighters, rookies, veterans, and chief officers all come together to form a team to train and empower the fire service in Africa. Africa Fire Mission’s team members travel to provide hands-on training in firefighting tactics, leadership, hazmat, fire prevention and more. Team members learn from each other and get creative in training with few resources. At the same time, they share the brotherhood of the global fire service and identify local solutions with the firefighters they are training for serving communities well with few resources. Through encouraging firefighters in Africa and empowering them with the tools they need, communities across sub-Saharan Africa see reductions in fatalities and loss of property. Firefighters feel encouraged to keep serving and sustainable growth is happening in their departments.

A Huge Benefit

Change is happening in Africa’s fire services. But there’s another outcome of AFM’s work that flies under the radar.

These experiences empower the team members! As the team forms, they learn new skills that can only be developed through international teamwork. Career and volunteer firefighters learn from each other and take those skills home. Veterans mentor rookies. Chief officers experience leadership in a new way. Team members feel solidarity with firefighters from around the globe. AFM’s team is an example of creative ways to provide wellness initiatives as firefighters often go home appreciative of the resources they have and the team they are part of at home. They find something outside of their home department where they belong and can impact the global fire service in a new way. Firefighters build lasting relationships that impact their skills and mindset on the job.

Experience on the Ground

Brad Banz is a retired career firefighter from Wichita, Kan., and volunteer firefighter in Colwich, Kan., whose life changed in 2014. That year, he stepped out of his comfort zone and travelled on an adventure to Kenya. There, he began training community members in basic fire prevention skills and medical response. Soon enough, he was in contact with the founder of AFM, Chief Dave Moore, and the rest is history …

Since then, Brad has travelled with AFM multiple times and shared “it has been very rewarding to me as a firefighter to see the fire service in these countries grow.” Through “delivering basic firefighter skills, leadership, fire prevention, and medical training, amongst other skills,” Brad has developed his own ability as a leader in his community, in addition to supporting the growth of firefighters in Africa.

He has learned what every member of the AFM team learns: opportunities to train other firefighters and first responders is an impactful way to create tangible, positive change in the fire service.

Over time, continued training in the countries that AFM serves has led to incredible results. Firefighters that were once volunteer fire safety advocates in Kenya are now employed in leadership roles in their local departments. Areas that had little to no active public safety responders are now reached by firefighters with the gear and training they need to save people’s lives. And in the United States, firefighters who train with AFM share that their outlook and ability in fighting fires is enriched thanks to their experience serving others.

By bolstering the confidence of others, AFM team members bolster their confidence.

A New Outlook on Firefighting

In addition to increased confidence, stronger skills, and sharper leadership, AFM team members report a better outlook on their firefighting experience after encouraging others on their trips. It is rewarding to see the impact you have on others, whether that’s through saving someone in a dangerous situation or simply seeing skills you impart to others develop into ability that lasts a lifetime.

Though AFM attempts this on a large scale through international travel, you can do this in your department today. Reach out to service members that may be struggling or offer support to someone you know needs some help. Take opportunities to teach others when you have the chance. Use networks like AFM’s online development groups and weekly virtual trainings to share your skills with individuals around the world.

The bottom line? However you can use your skills to lift up others, you can expect that encouragement to swing back around to you in a powerful way.

What Will You Do?

Whether you decide to travel with Africa Fire Mission on one of their 2026 trips or simply make the effort to share what you know with those in your department, know that sharing your skills and enthusiasm supports you as much as it does others. A passionate, skilled fire service is one that is well-equipped to take on any emergency, and building a community rooted in support, encouragement, and a commitment to continued learning will always be equipped in what truly matters.

You can learn more, access resources, and apply for a training trip with Africa Fire Mission today at this website. And in the meantime, consider the ways you can make a difference in your department by supporting your colleagues. The positive impact you have will better your skills and your outlook on firefighting.