- The Liberia National Police Academy and Training School in Paynesville graduated 125 officers over the weekend during a basic in-service training ceremony, with Lofa County Senator and Senate Chair on Security, Intelligence and Veterans Affairs, Momo T. Cyrus, urging the new recruits to see their work as a national covenant. The class included 79 trainees of the Liberia National Fire Service -- 54 males and 25 females -- and 46 officers from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company, LPRC -- 45 males and 1 female.
"Today is more than a graduation. It is the beginning of a covenant between you and the Republic of Liberia," Senator Cyrus said.
Senator Cyrus told the graduates that their role will be defined by action when others retreat. He described the uniform as sacred and tied to the protection of life and the nation's future.
The Senator emphasized that firefighting and emergency response is a calling, not just a profession. Using the image of a child trapped in a burning building, he said courage, not the absence of danger, defines the officer.
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"Never forget the truth. Every emergency is someone's worst day, and every firefighter has the opportunity to become the reason Somalis to see tomorrow," Senator Cyrus remarked.
He expanded the mandate of the new officers beyond fire suppression to include highway rescues, flood response, building collapses, and industrial emergencies. Cyrus stressed that prevention is more powerful than reaction, citing international examples.
"The strongest firefighter is not the one who enters the most fire, but the one who prevents the most tragedy," Senator Cyrus noted.
Drawing lessons from other nations, the Lofa Senator said Liberia must invest in institutions that protect lives as the economy and climate risks grow. He referenced Japan, Singapore, the US, UK, Rwanda and South Africa as models of preparedness and discipline.
Senator Cyrus urged the graduates to lead with character and integrity, telling them that equipment matters less than values in moments of crisis. He warned that professionalism must be practiced daily because decisions made in seconds can save or cost lives.
"The strongest shield you carry is not your equipment. It is your integrity," Senator Cyrus asserted.
The Senator specifically addressed the 26 women in the graduating class and thanked the families present. He said the sacrifices of families are part of national service and that leadership and courage have no gender.
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"Liberia needs your skill, your compassion, your resilience, and your leadership," Senator Cyrus told the female graduates. "Liberia truly owes you gratitude, family."
Minister of Justice and Attorney General Cllr. Oswald Tweh, speaking at the same ceremony, reminded the graduates that technical skills must be matched with professionalism. He said the Boakai administration is prioritizing security sector reform and that the Fire Service is central to national security.
"An investment in your service is an investment in public confidence and economic growth," Minister Tweh said, committing that the Ministry of Justice will look up to the service provider for highest ethical and professional standards.
Deputy Managing Director of LPRC Jacob Smith also addressed the ceremony, describing security as a national imperative. He thanked the Liberia National Police for partnering with LPRC to train personnel and stressed that officers must serve with a national philosophy above partisan or personal loyalty.
"Security is not optional. It is a national imperative... You are not a regime institution. You are not a regime officer. You are an officer for the state," Mr. Smith said.
In his closing charge, Senator Cyrus listed eight "nevers" for the new officers, including never abusing authority, never seeking gain from suffering, and never compromising integrity.
"Never ever compromise your integrity. Senator Cyrus said.
