Gbarnga, Bong County – Bong County has commissioned a brand-new fire truck, marking a major step toward strengthening emergency response and protecting lives and property across the county.
The commissioning brought together county officials, members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, the Liberia National Fire Service, local authorities, and citizens.
Liberia National Fire Service Director General Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul Sr. said the government secured funding for six new fire trucks and other vehicles to strengthen firefighting operations across Liberia. He disclosed that the truck assigned to Bong County is brand new and has not yet responded to a fire incident.
Bong County Senator Prince Kermue Moye Sr. thanked the government for providing the county with the truck, while expressing concern over recent fire outbreaks in Gbarnga, including incidents on Broad Street and in the Chief Compound Community.
He called for similar support for other counties and pledged to continue working with stakeholders to advance the government’s ARREST Agenda.
The senator who personally financed construction of the fire truck station and the cost of the commissioning program, according to organizers, sad he was impressed by the cooperation from the County Authorities, including City Mayor Gallah Varpilah.
To support the truck’s immediate operations, LACRA boss Christopher D. Sankolo donated 50 gallons of fuel, while the Bong County Administration, through County Administrative Officer D. Sam Baryougah Elliott Sr., pledged an additional 100 gallons, bringing the total initial fuel support to 150 gallons.
Representing District Three Representative Josiah Marvin Cole, J. Eldorado V. Keamue Jr. welcomed the intervention but raised concerns about late communication to the lawmaker regarding the ceremony. He called for better coordination between county authorities and members of the Legislative Caucus.
The fire truck was tested after the ceremony, successfully releasing water. It is now expected to serve Gbarnga and other parts of Bong County.
Officials also highlighted concerns about buildings and structures along narrow alleys that could restrict access for the large fire truck during emergencies.
The Gbarnga fire station was established through the efforts of Senator Moye, with support from Joseph Madiba Ishmael Massaquoi and Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Gbarnga Varpilah. The administrative building attached to the station was also renovated as part of the initiative.
The new truck, fire station, and initial fuel support are expected to significantly improve Bong County’s capacity to respond to fire emergencies.
