COLUMBUS, GA – January 10, 2024

LION, a global leader in innovative personal protective equipment (PPE) solutions, is delighted to announce its partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs for the upcoming Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 Graduation, an integral component of the International Association of Fire Chiefs International Fellowship Program (IFP). The graduation ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 10, 2024, in Columbus, GA.

The IFP, affiliated with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, places international firefighters in leading US fire departments for a transformative six-month experience aimed at learning best practices and internalizing the US fire service culture. Saudi Aramco Oil Company, a distinguished Saudi Arabian national petroleum and natural gas company based in Dhahran, sponsors the latest version of the program, sending approximately 32 members of its Fire Protection Department to the US per year in four cohorts.

The Saudi Aramco Professional Training Placement Program meticulously vets eight firefighters per cohort, sending them to the US with J-1 Visas—an exchange visitor non-immigrant visa category facilitating participation in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. These trainees, nominated based on their outstanding performance, engage with host US fire departments, contributing to cultural exchange and professional development.

LION collaborates closely with host departments and the IAFC to provide state-of-the-art PPE for the participating firefighters. Importantly, the PPE becomes a lasting asset for the host departments, enhancing their capabilities beyond the conclusion of the cohort. This collaboration underscores LION's commitment to firefighter safety and its dedication to supporting international partnerships.

Beyond firefighting responsibilities, the program's promise extends to establishing enduring relationships that transcend borders. Host department personnel benefit from diverse perspectives, contributing to the testing of their department's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The program provides cultural exposure and networking opportunities, allowing host department personnel to collaborate with like-minded progressive fire departments, paving the way for future international partnerships.

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About LION

Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, LION is a family-owned company with a legacy and ongoing vision of introducing new products and services designed to ensure the health, safety and performance of first responders worldwide. From game-changing personal
protective equipment (PPE) and Uniforms to professional gear maintenance to state-of-the-art fire safety training tools and facilities, it is LION's mission to make sure that first responders are READY FOR ACTION. To learn more, visit www.lionprotects.com. "LION is honored to be a part of the Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 Graduation and to support the IAFC International Fellowship Program in fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange within the firefighting community," said Mark Smith, President of LION Americas.

"We believe in the power of such programs to strengthen the global firefighting community and enhance the safety and effectiveness of firefighting personnel worldwide." As we celebrate the achievements of the Saudi Aramco Cohort 24 graduates, LION remains committed to supporting initiatives that advance the fire service industry globally.