Western Avalon Region Benefits from Firefighting Equipment Funding

Five fire departments on the Avalon Peninsula will benefit from a Provincial Government investment of nearly $50,000 for enhanced firefighter protection. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, announced funding today for Cavendish, Green’s Harbour, Old Perlican, Small Point-Broad Cove-Blackhead-Adam’s Cove, and St. Bride’s fire departments.

“The commitment and bravery exhibited by the municipal fire service is certainly commendable and deserving of our support,” said Minister O’Brien. “These men and women not only encounter situations most of us could only imagine, but they also provide immeasurable assistance in times of emergency. Through strong municipal partnerships, the Provincial Government is intent on ensuring members are able to protect themselves, as well as their communities, in tackling future challenges head-on.”

The funding, which is administered through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), will provide for personal protective equipment as outlined below:

“Our firefighters protect our homes and residents and this investment will help protect them by providing some of the necessary tools they need to do their jobs,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay de Verde. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the men and women in this region who, as first responders, are committed to our safety and who play critical roles in the community every day.”

“We cannot overestimate the importance of the volunteer fire brigades in our communities”, said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s. “This government continues to provide much needed equipment to the fire departments in the area, and this addition to the St. Bride’s fire department is well appreciated.”

Budget 2010: The Right Investments – For Our Children and Our Future doubled the investment in firefighting equipment from $500,000 to $1 million, while also increasing expenditures on firefighting vehicles to a total of $2.5 million. Funding for these departments will be shared between the Provincial Government and the respective communities under the 90/10 cost-shared ratio established through the Municipal Capital Works Program.

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2011 02 23             10:30 a.m.