Senator Momo Cyrus, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, Security, Intelligence and Veteran Affairs, has called on newly trained officers of the Liberia National Fire Service and the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) to become true guardians of life and property by serving the nation with courage, discipline, and unwavering integrity.
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony for the Class I officers held at the Police Academy in Paynesville, Senator Cyrus challenged the 126 graduates to view their profession not merely as employment, but as a national responsibility anchored in protecting citizens, restoring hope, and responding to emergencies when others cannot.
Speaking on the theme, “When Others Step Back, You Step Forward: The Sacred Trust of Protecting Life, Hope, and the Future of Liberia,” the Lofa County Senator said the graduates have accepted one of the most demanding responsibilities in society—the duty to stand between danger and human suffering.
He told the officers that the uniform they now wear represents a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to public service.
“Your uniform represents courage, not just a job,” Senator Cyrus said. “It represents your willingness to step forward when others step back, to respond when others are afraid, and to protect people during their most vulnerable moments.”
The Senator said the role of a modern fire and emergency officer extends far beyond extinguishing flames. He explained that the graduates have been trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including road accidents, floods, industrial disasters, and search-and-rescue operations.
According to him, their mission is ultimately about protecting human dignity and preserving lives.
“Your responsibility is not only to fight fires, but to defend human dignity,” Cyrus said, emphasizing that every emergency call represents a family, a community, and a life depending on their professionalism.
He stressed that prevention remains one of the most important responsibilities of emergency responders, arguing that the best outcome is preventing disasters before they occur.
“The strongest firefighter is not the one who enters the most fires, but the one who prevents the most tragedies,” he said.
Senator Cyrus noted that Liberia, like many countries around the world, is facing increasing challenges from climate-related disasters and other emergencies, making the development of strong and professional fire institutions critical to national security and development.
He urged the graduates to understand that professionalism must be demonstrated every day through their actions, decisions, and interactions with the public.
“Professionalism is practiced daily, not just worn,” he warned. “Uniforms do not create heroes — character does. Training prepares your hands. Values prepare your heart.”
The Senate Defense Committee Chairman cautioned the new officers against abusing their authority, accepting bribes, or exploiting victims during emergencies. He said public trust in emergency institutions depends on the integrity and conduct of those entrusted with protecting lives.
He reminded the graduates that citizens will judge them not by their ranks but by how they respond during moments of crisis.
“In moments of crisis, people will remember your response, not your rank,” Cyrus said. “One decision can determine whether a family remains whole.”
The Senator also praised the women who graduated as part of the new class, describing their participation as a positive development for Liberia’s emergency response sector.
He said the inclusion of women demonstrates that leadership and national service are open to everyone.
“Leadership knows no gender,” Cyrus stated, adding that women’s participation strengthens institutions and broadens the country’s capacity to serve its people.
He also commended the families of the graduates for their sacrifices and thanked the leadership of the Liberia National Fire Service for its continued efforts to improve professionalism and restore public confidence in the institution.
Drawing examples from countries including Japan, Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, and South Africa, Senator Cyrus said effective fire and emergency services are not luxuries but essential investments in national development.
He called for continuous training, improved equipment, and adherence to international standards to ensure Liberia’s emergency institutions are prepared to meet modern challenges.
“Professional fire services are not simply about responding to disasters; they are about building safer communities and protecting national progress,” he said.
Senator Cyrus encouraged the graduates to remain committed to learning, discipline, and humility as they begin their careers.
“So, when others step back, step forward. When others panic, bring calm. When others lose hope, become hope,” he charged.
The graduation ceremony was attended by several government officials, including Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh, Liberia Petroleum Refining Company Deputy Managing Director for Administration Jacob Smith, and Liberia National Fire Service Director Col. Warsuwah Barvoul, among others.
In remarks, Justice Minister Cllr. Oswald Tweh urged the graduates to remain disciplined and professional in carrying out their duties, reminding them that they play a vital role in safeguarding lives, property, and national infrastructure.
Minister Tweh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the Liberia National Fire Service and promoting human capital development within the emergency response sector.
Also speaking, LPRC Deputy Managing Director for Administration Jacob Smith urged the new officers to serve all Liberians equally regardless of political affiliation, social status, or personal background.
Smith warned that fire and emergency institutions must remain neutral and focused on protecting the entire population.
“The true purpose of a fire and emergency service is to protect lives and property for every citizen, no matter their status or political affiliation,” Smith said. “Public trust in the institution depends on neutrality and commitment to service above politics.”
He reminded the graduates that prevention, public education, and rapid response remain essential tools in reducing loss of lives and minimizing damage to homes, businesses, and communities.
