Union Fire District of South Kingstown Commends Former Deputy Chief for Fire Prevention Training and Support in Africa

Former Union Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn, sixth person from the left, recently went on a multi-week deployment to Kenya, volunteering with Africa Fire Mission as it helped provide training for hundreds of firefighters and emergency responders. (Photo Courtesy Union Fire District of South Kingstown)

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — The call to serve reached former Union Fire District (UFD) Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn far beyond the borders of South Kingstown — all the way to East Africa, where the work of Africa Fire Mission (AFM) is helping communities to make transformational fire safety breakthroughs through a system of training, equipment support and mentorship.

“From the moment I learned about AFM a little more than a decade ago, I dreamed of someday serving alongside the firefighters and leaders who use their gifts to strengthen those protecting their communities with extremely limited resources,” Quinn said. “This year that dream became a reality.”

Quinn recently returned from his multi-week deployment to Kenya, where he assisted in training hundreds of firefighters and emergency responders as part of AFM’s ongoing mission. Quinn, a longtime UFD member who also serves on the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), traveled with AFM this fall to support the 2025 International EMS and Fire Training Symposium in Kenya and to work directly with community partners in Nairobi and Mombasa. His work with local fire brigades focused on building sustainable fire service capacity in developing communities, training emergency responders, and contributing to community safety initiatives alongside local leaders and nonprofit organizations.

“This journey was far more than a deployment or training assignment,” Quinn said. “It was a reminder of why we serve — why training matters, why capacity building matters, and how the global fire service brotherhood and sisterhood share a common mission regardless of borders, uniforms, or language.”

Quinn joined AFM after a decade-long interest in the organization’s mission. The nonprofit was founded by U.S. firefighter and former fire chief David Moore. Quinn met Moore at a National Advisory Committee meeting. That introduction led to a conversation about AFM’s dedication to building sustainable fire service capacity in developing communities.

“That conversation planted a seed I carried for years,” Quinn said. “I hoped someday to join the AFM team — not just to travel, but to make a significant impact on fire safety in communities in Africa that could really use the help as they seek to develop their fire safety operations, leaving systems in place that continue to grow long after the team returns home.”

A Mission Rooted in Service and Community

Before beginning formal training sessions, Quinn and the AFM team spent time in Nairobi meeting with Missions of Hope International (MOHI), a partner organization that provides education, health programs, vocational training, and social services in the Mathare Valley, one of the largest informal settlements in the region.

Quinn described the visit to Mathare Valley — home to nearly one million residents — as deeply moving and eye-opening. Families live in densely packed tin structures without safe heating, running water, or sewer systems, creating significant fire and public health risks.

“I was moved by the many children that approached me along the narrow pathways, each one reaching for my hand — not for a giveaway, but for hope and faith. Their smiles were precious,” Quinn said. “Parents work tirelessly to survive another day.   Yet, despite hardship, there is vibrancy, laughter, faith, and resilience woven into every corner. I was completely moved. This experience most certainly was eye opening and life changing.”

AFM works with MOHI to deliver fire safety education, develop local emergency response capabilities, and advocate for safer infrastructure. Their partnership has helped influence the creation of new access roads and pathways that now allow emergency responders to reach areas previously inaccessible to fire vehicles — critical improvements that have already saved lives.

Training Firefighters Across Kenya and East Africa

Following their time in Nairobi, Quinn and the AFM team traveled to Mombasa, where more than 550 firefighters and EMS professionals from Kenya and Uganda attended the International EMS and Fire Training Symposium at Bandari Maritime Academy.

Courses offered during the symposium included subjects like Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support; Basic and Advanced Life Support; First Aid; Community Fire Prevention; Water Rescue & Swimming; Hazardous Materials; Incident Command; Emergency Vehicle Operations; Tactical Firefighting; Active Bleeding Control; Leadership Within the Fire and Emergency Services.

Quinn served as an instructor for Leadership Within the Fire and Emergency Services, co-teaching with Kenyan partners and AFM teammates.

“The thirst for knowledge among the Kenyan and Ugandan responders was extremely intense,” Quinn said. “As I spoke, so many heads were bobbing in agreement.”

A Journey of Reflection and Renewed Commitment

At the end of the deployment, Quinn traveled with the team to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where he had time to appreciate the wildlife, history and culture of the region.

But he also had time there to reflect on this teaching experience with the Kenyan and Ugandan firefighters and EMS professionals.

“While I arrived ready to teach, I was the one who left deeply enriched by the Kenyan responders,” Quinn said. “Their hunger for knowledge, adaptability, service mindset, and determination were nothing short of inspiring. I have taught for most of my life, and rarely have I seen such engagement, passion, and unity of purpose.”

Quinn now plans to work with the NVFC and AFM to host a webinar sharing lessons and experiences from the deployment, with the goal of encouraging more U.S. firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics to become involved.

UFD Chief Commends Quinn’s Ongoing Service

Chief Pinch said Quinn’s leadership and dedication reflect the values of the Union Fire District and the fire service as a whole.

“Kevin has always been a servant-leader, both here in South Kingstown and at the national level,” Pinch said. “His work in Kenya demonstrates how the skills and compassion of American firefighters can make a meaningful impact around the world. We are proud to call him one of our own.”

“Service doesn’t end at our town line — and Kevin proved that in such a meaningful way,” Chief Pinch added. “His work with AFM reminds me that every firefighter, no matter where they come from, is part of a global family committed to protecting life and property, united by core values including duty, honor, integrity, and teamwork.”

For Quinn, the recent trip to Kenya with AFM is just the start of a new chapter in his life — and he hopes other firefighters joining the mission.

“I am humbled, grateful, and changed,” Quinn said. “And for me, this is only the beginning.”

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Former Union Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn volunteered with the Africa Fire Mission team as it traveled to Bandari Maritime Academy in Mombasa, Kenya, helping to teach more than 550 firefighters and emergency responders from Kenya and Uganda during the International EMS and Fire Training Symposium. (Photo courtesy Union Fire District of South Kingstown)

Former Union Fire District Deputy Chief Kevin Quinn showed his turnout gear and personal protection equipment to a group of students in a Kenyan classroom. (Photo courtesy Union Fire District of South Kingstown)