Training for Emergencies Takes Center Stage in Grand Falls-Windsor

The course schedule for this fall’s Fire and Emergency Services Training School arrives in the mail this week in communities and fire departments across the province. This fall’s event will be held in Grand Falls-Windsor October 22 to October 28.

“This latest training initiative is the eighth large-scale training event we have held in the province and offers a great opportunity for local emergency responders and town officials to learn the best possible ways to manage an emergency situation,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Our government is pleased to partner with the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor and the local fire department, as well as other local emergency responders to bring this training to the Central region- an area which has routinely seen a very high rate of attendance for these training schools.”

Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Chief and President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services Vince MacKenzie, noted this is an excellent opportunity for emergency responders to avail of the latest training and techniques to ensure public safety in times of emergency.

“Firefighters and emergency responders across our province encounter dangerous situations regularly and put their lives on the line to help their friends and neighbours,” said Chief MacKenzie. “Grand Falls-Windsor is pleased to once again help the Provincial Government provide the best quality training for our emergency responders, as we are perfectly centred to accommodate the educational needs of such a dedicated and committed group of individuals.”

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 courses, such as Basic Emergency Management and Emergency Planning Workshops, are open to members of municipal councils, fire departments, public works, maintenance personnel and emergency response organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations.

In addition to the training school, basic firefighting courses will be held concurrently in other communities, such as Harbour Breton, Port aux Choix, St. Bride’s, Springdale, Flower’s Cove, and Meadows to maximize the educational opportunity for fire departments throughout the province.

“These regional training initiatives continue to strengthen the level of emergency response throughout our communities, and we are pleased to see the continued growth of this training school since it was first introduced in 2008,” said Minister O’Brien. “In recent history, Newfoundland and Labrador has encountered numerous emergencies; from ice storms and forest fires, to floods and landslides. Our government remains committed to providing municipalities and members of our emergency response and fire protection communities with high quality training to protect our residents in times of trouble.”

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 and on the NLAFS website at www.nlfireservices.com. 

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2011 09 14             1:20 p.m.