Town of Buchans Receives Fire Rescue Vehicle

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, was on site at the fire hall in Buchans today to officially present the community with a new fire rescue vehicle valued at $197,734. Minister O’Brien was joined by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and MHA for Grand Falls - Buchans, Mayor Derm Corbett and members of the Buchans Volunteer Fire Department.

“Partnering with our communities to provide appropriate equipment for firefighters and residents remains a priority for our government,” said Minister O’Brien. “Through modern technology and the effective means of fire protection found within this new vehicle, we are assisting the Town of Buchans to strengthen vital community services.”

The vehicle, known as a walk-through rescue, is suited to serve as a command post for emergency incidents. The rescue vehicle features side and rear entrances into the body of the vehicle and enough space to transport seven fully-equipped firefighters to an emergency scene. It contains a 260 horsepower diesel engine and automatic transmission, with additional storage capacity for firefighting and rescue equipment.

“Our government is continuing to make strong investments in our communities, and the Town of Buchans has greatly benefited from this action,” said Minister Sullivan. “It is critical that we recognize the significant role fire safety equipment plays in the protection of residents and work with our communities to help them acquire the important tools required for fire safety.”

Funding for the fire rescue vehicle was shared between the Provincial Government and the Town of Buchans, through the established 90/10 cost-shared ratio.

“Our council is continually working hard to meet the needs of our residents and the support of the Provincial Government on this vehicle, and other initiatives, is a great vote of confidence for the future of our community,” said Mayor Derm Corbett. “The dedicated members of our volunteer fire department are eager to learn and train with this impressive new vehicle and we are more than happy to help modernize their resources.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides a historic investment in the municipal fire service. While continuing a $1 million commitment to fund equipment needs, an unprecedented $3.9 million has been allocated for new firefighting vehicles throughout the province in the coming year.

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Photo: The community of Buchans officially welcomes their new fire rescue vehicle. On hand for the presentation, (l to r) Buchans Fire Chief Dale Piercey, Buchans Mayor Derm Corbett, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Minister and area MHA Susan Sullivan, (at podium) Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services Minister Kevin O'Brien, and Deputy Mayor Ernest Noseworthy.

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2011 06 06                                                                                      1:45 p.m.