Firefighters and municipal officials from across the province will converge on northeastern Newfoundland this weekend, as the Provincial Government marks Fall Fire and Emergency Services Training School. The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs, today acknowledged the more than 330 individuals from over 75 organizations who have registered for the many courses offered during this training opportunity.

"As Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, I am pleased to see such interest in our training school from among the members of our municipal services," said Minister O'Brien. "Throughout the next nine days, these individuals will be involved in emergency management and fire fighter training, which will help to improve the level of preparedness among communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

This year's Fall Training School is the sixth offered since 2008 and the first opportunity Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) has had to bring the training school model to the Avalon Peninsula. FES-NL has coordinated courses in a number of communities, including St. John's, Conception Bay South, Hant's Harbour, and Bay Roberts areas. 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. Throughout the nine days of intensive classroom and field work, those registered will be able to take advantage of a dedicated team of trainers who are prepared to engage participants in emergency management and fire fighting fundamentals.

"Our government remains committed to bolstering and strengthening fire and emergency services throughout the province," noted Minister O'Brien. "Courses such as Basic Emergency Management and Incident Command Systems, Vehicle Extrication and Fire Department Operations will help to equip communities and individuals with the tools they need to respond in emergency situations. These courses offer assistance in establishing a level of preparedness among front line workers necessary to tackle future challenges we may face throughout the province."

The Provincial Government has provided $30,000 to offer a 50/50 cost-share arrangement to assist with the travel and accommodation expenses incurred by municipalities in sending individuals to Fire and Emergency Services Training School.

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