Dave Hutchins and GAMSIP

GAFSIP was the inspiration of former Avon Fire & Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, David Hutchings, who witnessed a fatal road traffic collision when visiting The Gambia in 1991.

David Hutchings was shocked to see how little equipment the Gambian firefighters had to work with, compared to his colleagues at home, and vowed to make it his mission to help.

Since 1991, the partnership has gained charity status and has helped hundreds of firefighters, their families and communities along the way.

GAFSIP sends vital equipment to Gambia Fire and Rescue Service that are no longer used to help make Gambia a safer place to live and work.

Other fire and rescue services and organisations, such as Bristol Uniforms, have donated items to Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, supported by GAFSIP to help those in need.

Dave came to Bradley Stoke Rotary Club when a ferry went down in the Gambia river with a loss of life of 1800 people. Dave then decided to put in place a number of indestructible boats to rescue and aid people in destress. This project was a collaboration between Bradley Stoke and Marne La Vallee Rotary Clubs.  It was extremely successful resulting in the saving of many hundreds of lives.