Bay de Verde to Benefit from New Firefighting Vehicle

The Town of Bay de Verde will receive a new firefighting vehicle in spring 2012, as part of the unprecedented investment in the municipal fire service announced this year by the Provincial Government.

“Public safety continues to be a primary focus for the Provincial Government,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Through investments in municipal infrastructure projects, community enhancement and firefighting vehicles and equipment, we are building stronger, safer community partnerships throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Bay de Verde will receive a new firefighting pumper truck through a 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government. Public tenders for new firefighting vehicles will be let this summer, with delivery expected in 2012.

“This new pumper truck will be a welcome addition to the Bay de Verde Volunteer Fire Department and its members,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister for Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay de Verde. “Their commitment and dedication in the interest of public safety provides a level of comfort for residents of Bay de Verde, Red Head Cove, Grates Cove, Daniel’s Cove, as well as the travelling public by providing highway emergency response along sections of the peninsula. The Provincial Government is committed to assisting our communities in providing the best level of fire protection available and we are pleased to assist Bay de Verde to modernize equipment.”

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador provides a historic investment in the municipal fire service. An investment of $3.9 million has been allocated for new firefighting vehicles, as well as a continued $1 million allocation to fund equipment needs to assist communities. With the addition of a new Provincial Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit to acknowledge the commitment of the men and women in the volunteer fire service, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $6 million towards the municipal fire service this year.

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2011 08 18                                                                          2:45 p.m.