Who Cares about Fire Safety in Belize? Archibald “Mac” McFarlane.
Planning a beach or scuba-diving trip soon? Or looking for a place to retire?
With over a million tourists each year, and thousands of expats and foreign retirees, no doubt Belize has appeared in your search results – if you haven’t already been there.
If you’ve ever lived or vacationed in a developing country, you know that while it can be relaxing and beautiful, safety standards aren’t what they are in developed countries.
Fire prevention and firefighting aren’t either. Even in tourist hotels and upscale restaurants.
Not that you or Belize’s population of over 360,000 doesn’t want safety.
I know this because I, Mac McFarlane, am from Belize. And that’s where I started my career in public safety with the National Fire Service.
Although I’ve served Virginia for years now as a firefighter-medic, I regularly visit my native country and fire-and-rescue compatriots.
I know what equipment is available and what is lacking. I know Belize suffers from:
- The absence of training infrastructure.
- A non-coordinated public safety answering point (PSAP).
- A non-existing fire record management system (FRMS).
- Limited services provided to residents and visitors of the country.
You don’t need to tell me more.
Which is why I started Virginia Emergency Services Assistance Program for Belize — now Belize Heroes — in 2017.
Really, for years I’ve been gathering donated fire equipment or flat-out buying it, stuffing it in a shipping barrel, and sending it to Belize – mostly on my own dime. Obviously that wasn’t going to make a big enough impact, though.
Now through Belize Heroes, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it’s possible.
Our team is committed to addressing Belize’s critical firefighting and rescue needs by providing equipment, electronics/technology, and training, plus implementing a fire prevention code.
We’re committed to making a big impact. To saving lives.
I’ve met with the newly appointed Fire Chief (July 2019) of Belize, Collin Gillet, his Deputy Benisford Matura, and other members of the National Fire Service some with whom I worked together closely for many years. They are excited and dedicated to make changes that will create standards, improve their current services, and expand on new services that the country desperately needs.
Virginia fire departments, businesspeople, and individuals are gearing up to fight this fire too.
Hanover Fire-EMS Department’s chief Jethro Piland III has generously agreed to allow two Belize National Fire Service emergency responders to attend the February 2018 recruit fire academy. Others are looking into donations of ambulances and medical equipment.
But these strong, caring men and women of Belize depends on you to help launch this offensive attack.
They need used fire engines, gears, knowledge and time (train on your vacation in Belize!), and financial support.
Be part of our “Rapid Intervention Crew.”