Minister Urges Community Participation in Spring Fire and Emergency Services Training School

The spring Fire and Emergency Services School will take place May 28 to June 5 in the Corner Brook/ Bay of Islands region.

“Following a successful training school held this past November on the northeast Avalon, I am pleased to bring the seventh training initiative back to the west coast,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Our government continues our commitment to high quality training for municipalities and members of our fire protection and emergency response communities. We are certainly encouraged to see communities and fire departments eager to step up for the exciting challenge of hosting such large scale and important training opportunities.”

The training opportunity, an initiative of Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), is offered at no cost to officials and volunteers in communities throughout the province. These regional initiatives, which include more than 40 course options, are open to members of municipal councils, fire departments, public works, maintenance personnel and emergency response communities, as well as non-governmental organizations. Arrangements for the FES Training School are in the final planning stages, and there are still numerous opportunities available for those interested. In addition to courses being held in Corner Brook, sessions will also be hosted in Meadows and Gilliams along the north shore.

In addition to the training school, basic courses will be held concurrently in other areas, such as Avondale, Grand Falls-Windsor, and Placentia, to maximize the educational opportunity for fire departments throughout the province.

“Since first being introduced in 2008, these regional training schools have experienced continued growth and success, and have certainly strengthened the level of response throughout our communities,” said Minister O’Brien. “The Provincial Government recognizes the opportunity this training presents for our community members to acquire valuable skills to assist our frontline women and men. These training schools give our regions the opportunity to learn new techniques and improve on their existing experience and training to the benefit of residents.”

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

2011 05 17                                                                             12:10 p.m.