Belize Heroes

Think globally give locally It is in this area that VESAP for Belize is unique and different from other charitable organizations.

The act of donating firefighting equipment and/or providing training to a fire department/country with fewer resources is not a new concept; in fact, there are numerous organizations that are doing outstanding work in this area. However, the act of helping to shape an organization to take its rightful place of excellence in the provision of public safety services is new. We are dedicated to provid

ing equipment, training, and technical expertise to the BNFS in order to develop a strategic plan that addresses present and future needs of a growing and developing country. We adapt the old adage that it is important to teach a man how to fish; however, until that man becomes good at the art of fishing on his own, we will help to feed him. In addition to providing needed equipment and training, the organization will assume a mentoring role and provide coaching advice as the BNFS progresses in its path of excellence in public safety that was only thought to exist in industrialized nations. As a former member of the BNFS, the founder, Archibald “Mac” McFarlane, made a vow that upon his relocation to the United States, he would assist the department to become better equipped, better trained, and proactive in its preventative measures to ensure the public remains safe. This organization will help him to keep this promise. MEET THE BOARD of DIRECTORS

ARCHIBALD “Mac” MCFARLANE
FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

Archibald “Mac” McFarlane is currently a Firefighter/Medic with Hanover Fire & EMS. Mac is a native of Belize, a small Caribbean country in the heart of Central America, where he served in the Belize National Fire Service for ten years before migrating to the United States. Upon settling in Richmond, Virginia, he continued his career in the fire service for the past seventeen years, and has dedicated the last eight and a half years to the Hanover Fire & EMS Department. As a firefighter in Belize, Mac has always been committed to public safety and to improving the services provided by the Belize National Fire Service (BNFS). As the department’s First Training Officer, he underwent training provided by various fire departments abroad and was tasked with developing the BNFS firefighting programs. Even after he migrated to the U.S., he continued on this path. After he completed the Chesterfield Fire & EMS Academy, he requested and was granted approval for two members of the Belize National Fire Service to undergo Chesterfield’s Fire & EMS Recruit School #30. Over the years, Mac has acquired various firefighting equipment from Virginia that has been shipped to Belize as a donation, in his personal capacity. It is from this staunch passion and commitment that he decided in 2017 to form the Virginia Emergency Services Assistance Program for Belize (VESAP for Belize), with community support, and with a dream of expanding and formalizing this work for a greater impact on safeguarding lives in Belize. In addition to assisting the Belize National Fire Service, since living in the U.S., Mac also furthered his education, obtaining an Associates Degree in Fire Science, and two Bachelor’s degrees – one in Human Resources with a minor in Leadership from the University of Richmond, and the other in Nursing Science from South University. Mac is a Registered Nurse and, on his off days from the Hanover Fire & EMS Department, works part-time as an Emergency Room Nurse with HCA Swift Creek Free Standing Emergency Department

07/24/2025

This training is a prerequisite for the next step in Emergency Medical Dispatching. I’m so proud of our Dispatchers who are constantly embracing new skills to get help where it’s needed. Strong Work to the ECC Staff

Photos from Hanover County Fire-EMS Department's post

03/15/2025

Happy Retirement Mr. Prez!

11/10/2024

The C5 US Air Force Cargo Plane successfully transported our precious life saving equipment yesterday afternoon around 4pm local time in Belize. There are so many moving parts to these missions and many more people working behind the scenes that we may never know. We wish to extend our gratitude to Ken, Jim, and The Denton Humanitarian Assistance Program team at Joint Base South Carolina who worked with us to get our cargo mission ready.

Thanks to Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad for their generosity in donating a 2015 Horton International Ambulance along with numerous ems equipment, supplies and PPE. Many thanks to all those who have and continue to support this joint life saving initiative with Belize Heroes & the Belize National Fire Service to create a structured pre-hospital EMS Program in Belize.

10/22/2024

Look who we have here, made the front cover of The Hanover Review… The President himself Mac McFarlane! 🚒🚑🇧🇿

10/21/2024

Want to experience the most beautiful adrenaline rush of your life?
Think you got what it takes to become
EMT- B ?
If yes, we have space avaliable for you.....
Deadline for application is February 28 2025 .

10/12/2024

Our friends from Virginia Emergency Services Assistance… just delivered an ambulance and support equipment for delivery to Belize next month on airlift provided by the 433rd Airlift Wing in the amazing C5M Galaxy.

Belize National Fire Service congratulates firefighter Rob Riverol for becoming 1st Paramedic

10/10/2024

Respect and utmost congratulations!!! Job well done!! Can’t wait to see you put your skills into practice!! 🚑

Belize National Fire Service congratulates firefighter Rob Riverol for becoming 1st Paramedic By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Today, the Belize National Fire Service congratulated exemplary firefighter Ron Riverol on his outstanding performance and accomplishments while studying abroad.

Riverol left Belize in 2023 to represent the Belize National Fire Service in the study of Paramedicine.

Sin

09/26/2024

Allow us to introduce brothers Johan & Emmael Lopez who at age 3 & 4 years old, visited the Corozal Fire Station in 2009 with their local pre-school. Today, they are dedicated Volunteer Relief Firefighters - a testament to their passion and commitment to community service. This commitment to public service was exemplified when they joined their career counterparts and participated in an EMR training to expand emergency medical services in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts. It’s wonderful to see them working alongside other BNFS members, sharing the same dedication to public safety and service. Keep living the dream, Johan & Emmael! Your hard work and determination are sure to inspire others!

09/05/2024

Paramedic Class Graduation Announcement!

We are excited to announce that our dedicated paramedic class has successfully completed their training! Join us in celebrating their hard work and commitment to serving our community.

📅 Date: September 12, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Blackwell Auditorium, Randolph-Macon College
📍 Address: 205 Henry Street, Ashland, VA

Come support these lifesavers as they take the next step in their EMS journey. We look forward to seeing you there!

08/30/2024

08/28/2024

WE READY FOR THE ROAD!!!

Tomorrow, we will be traveling to Charleston SC to deliver this ambulance which was donated by Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad as well as numerous EMS and Fire equipment/supplies that have been donated and/or acquired to support the expansion of the Belize National Fire Service EMS Program to the Northern Districts of Corozal and Orange Walk, and surrounding Villages.
Big THANK YOU to Kendall Thomas, Leroy Babb (my brother visiting from Belize), Andrew Womble, and Cliff Wood for helping out today.

Photos from National Fire Service of Belize's post

06/18/2024

Congratulations! Well deserved! 👏🏻

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