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Municipal Affairs
June 29, 2010

Firefighter Fit Testing Initiative Receives Funding

Firefighters will be able to take advantage of increased training opportunities with $10,000 in funding provided by the Provincial Government. Fit testing training is available through the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services for the use of breathing apparatuses worn in the line of duty.

"Firefighters throughout this province are a brave and dedicated group of individuals," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister for Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. "In addition to the increased investments in protective equipment and firefighting vehicles outlined in this year's budget, support of programs such as Fit testing helps to prevent injury and death."

Fit testing is now a requirement of the province's Occupational Health and Safety Act for anyone using a respiratory mask or self-contained breathing apparatus. The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services has already begun a process of training firefighters to perform testing within their own departments. Firefighter Fit Testing was offered by the association through Fire and Emergency Services Training School last month, with many members taking advantage of the opportunity.

"Our government continues to demonstrate its commitment to firefighter safety by providing this assistance for such important work," said Minister Whalen. "Firefighters are called to action in some of the most dangerous situations possible and it's essential they are properly fitted for their equipment to protect them from potential harm."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future increased funding for fire fighting vehicles by $800,000, for a total investment of $2.5 million. Budget 2010 also provides $1 million for fire fighting equipment, doubling the investment over last year's funding.

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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherlygullage@gov.nl.ca

2010 06 29                                   11:05 a.m.


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