Hometown Hero: How Mac McFarlane Gives Back to Belize’s Fire and EMS Services

Mac McFarlane, a firefighter-medic from Hanover, Virginia, has spent the last two decades working tirelessly to improve emergency services in his home country, Belize. A promise made 25 years ago blossomed into a life-saving nonprofit organisation known today as Belize Heroes. 

McFarlane’s initiative landed major recognition after getting featured in The Hanover Review magazine. The magazine reported that McFarlane made a heartfelt promise to the fire chief back home before moving to Virginia in the United States. “I promised the fire chief I’d send equipment and do whatever I could to support the fire department.”

McFarlane joined Chesterfield County Fire and EMS in 2000, where he started collecting and shipping surplus firefighting equipment to Belize. His efforts were not just about providing equipment; he also arranged for Belizean firefighters, including current Deputy Chief Ben Matura, to attend Chesterfield’s fire academy for advanced training.

Over the years, McFarlane’s work grew more impactful. In 2008, after joining Hanover Fire-EMS, he also earned a nursing degree, which helped him expand his role in emergency medical services (EMS). By 2017, McFarlane took a more formal step by founding Belize Heroes, which was initially called the Virginia Emergency Services Assistance Program for Belize.

“Everything started to fall into place after Belize Heroes was created,” McFarlane said.

A turning point came in 2021 and 2023, when Belize Heroes secured two major grants from the U.S. Embassy in Belize, totalling $450,000. These grants were used to launch a pilot EMS program and expand emergency services to the northern parts of Belize. 

McFarlane said he is focused on ensuring that Belize’s fire and EMS services become self-sufficient. In January 2025, Rob Riverol, a Belizean firefighter, will become the country’s first qualified EMT instructor after completing a year of training in Hanover, reported the Hanover Review. 

As McFarlane nears retirement, his commitment to Belize remains unwavering. While he plans to return to his childhood village of Flowers Bank, he will continue his work with Belize Heroes. “My goal is still to help the fire department,” McFarlane said.

 

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