![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
National Inter-Agency Liaison Officers (NILOs) from London Fire Brigade have returned from Tunisia after leading a specialist training programme with the country’s National Office for Civil Protection (ONPC), aimed at strengthening joint responses to major incidents including terrorist attacks.
The UK-wide NILO Network, managed by the brigade, delivered the programme for eight Tunisian Civil Protection strategic commanders as part of an ongoing UK Government-supported partnership. Tunisia was selected for the training following the 2015 Port El Kantaoui beach attack in Sousse, which killed 38 people, most of them British tourists, and highlighted the need for stronger emergency preparedness as the country rebuilds its tourism sector.
The programme focused on shared learning rather than a single-threat response. Tunisian officers provided insights into wildfire management and coordination with agricultural and forestry agencies to protect communities during intense seasonal fires, as well as lessons from handling large refugee flows during the 2011 Arab Spring.
In return, London Fire Brigade officers shared expertise in responding to complex urban emergencies, including high-rise residential fires and large-scale evacuations involving multiple agencies. Both sides discussed adapting best practice to their own operational environments.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Shaun Coltress said the partnership reflected the growing need for international cooperation among emergency services. “Sharing that knowledge – and learning from others – is essential in today’s global environment. This partnership is built on genuine collaboration,” he said.
The visit forms part of the UK Government’s Joint Overseas Protect & Prepare Programme, which promotes collaboration between emergency services to strengthen resilience and improve safety for British nationals abroad.
To read similar articles, check out our People and Skills channel
