Municipal Affairs
September 9, 2010
Minister Encourages
Participation in
Fire and Emergency Services Training School
The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness,
is encouraging emergency services and fire departments from across the
province to get involved in the upcoming fall Fire and Emergency
Services Training School. This training opportunity, an initiative of
Fire and Emergency Services — Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), is
offered at no cost to officials and volunteers of municipalities, local
service districts, emergency services and first responders in
Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Our government is pleased to continue
our commitment to high quality training for municipalities and members
of our fire protection and emergency response communities," said
Minister Whalen. "This will be the first FES Training School model to be
offered on the North East Avalon and a number of communities and fire
departments have stepped up for the exciting challenge of hosting such
important training opportunities."
This training initiative, which includes
more than 30 courses, will take place October 23 — 31 in a number of
communities throughout the North East Avalon.
St. John's, Conception Bay South, Bay
Roberts, and Winterton will all host various courses in firefighting
safety and emergency response throughout the days of training. In
addition, courses will be hosted at the new Bay de Grave Regional Fire
Department servicing the communities of Clarke's Beach, Cupids,
Makinsons, North River and South River.
"These training opportunities have seen
continued success since they were first introduced in 2008," said
Minister Whalen. "Our last initiative held in Grand Falls-Windsor
earlier this year saw over 500 participants acquire valuable skills to
assist their communities on an ongoing basis. Once again, the Williams
Government is pleased to offer our frontline women and men the
opportunity to learn new techniques and improve on their existing
experience and training to the benefit of residents."
Minister Whalen also noted that
additional regional courses are being offered in various areas
throughout the province. In addition to training, FES-NL will also
conduct certification testing in a number of program areas which are
accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
Firefighters who are successful in their testing will receive
certification which is recognized internationally. The Provincial
Government is again offering a 50/50 cost-share arrangement for
participants to assist in covering the expense of travel and
accommodations during the educational sessions.
More information on registration, course
scheduling, and locations can be found at
www.gov.nl.ca/fes.
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Media contact:
Cheryl Gullage
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 631-9962
cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca
2010 09 09
2:00 p.m.
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