NLIS 3
November 29, 2004
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
 

Minister attends grand opening of new Central Fire Station

Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, was very pleased to attend the official opening of the St. John�s Regional Fire Department�s new Central Fire Station on Friday afternoon. 

"The new Central Fire Station is an excellent, state-of-the-art facility," said Minister Byrne. "I was pleased to be on hand to cut the ribbon with Mayor Andy Wells to open this facility. As minister responsible for fire and emergency services, I understand the importance of having up-to-date fire facilities. The work of fire fighters is extremely important and should never be taken for granted. This new facility helps St. John �s firefighters do their jobs more efficiently." 

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs cost-shared the construction of the building 50/50 with the City of St. John� s under the Multi-Year Capital Works Program. The total cost of construction was $5.0 million. 

This new facility houses the same firefighting personnel as the old Central Fire Station as well as support staff such as fire prevention training staff and administration. It is now the City of St. John�s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The Northeast Avalon�s 911 communications centre is also located at the new central station. 

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-1983 or (709) 682-6593 

Photo #1: Officially opening of Central Fire Station. Left to Right: Mount Pearl City Councillor 
Ed Grant, St. John's Mayor Andy Wells, Minister Jack Byrne, St. John's City Councillor Paul Sears and Patrick Power, St. John's Regional Fire Department.

2004 11 29                       1:50 p.m.