Participation Encouraged in Fall Fire and Emergency Services Training School

Training for emergencies takes centre stage next month, as Gander is set to host the fall Fire and Emergency Services Training School. Course schedules are being mailed this week for this fall’s event, which will be held in the Gander area October 20 to 26.

“This training school 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. “In what promises to be another great event, our government is pleased to partner with the Town of Gander and the local fire department to bring this school to the community for the first time. Routinely, the central region boasts the highest attendance rates and we are hopeful as many organizations as possible take part in the many opportunities offered.”

The training school is offered at no cost to officials and volunteers in communities throughout the province and is open to members of municipal councils, fire departments, public works, maintenance personnel and emergency response organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations. More than 40 courses offerings are available, including Pump Operations, Exercise Design, and Basic Emergency Management.

In addition to the training school, basic firefighting courses will be held concurrently in Glenwood and Meadows to maximize the educational opportunity for fire departments throughout the province.

“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,” said Minister O’Brien. “Since first introduced in 2008, these training schools continue to strengthen the level of emergency response throughout our communities and I am pleased to see our partners and firefighters taking responsibility for their own safety and leading by example.”

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. 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 

2012 09 26             10:10 a.m.