Municipal Affairs
November 9, 2012
Communications and Firefighter Safety Enhancements Destined for Central
Over $40,000 in communications and firefighting equipment will be heading to a number of fire departments in central Newfoundland, through the Provincial Government’s Firefighting Equipment Assistance Program. The funding, available through Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL), helps communities provide trained firefighters with industry tools.
“Portable radios, pagers and personal protective equipment are just some of the many expensive pieces of gear used by the heroic members of the fire service,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “The tools and techniques of firefighting continue to evolve and it is important for our communities to plan for and invest in training and equipment upgrades for these dedicated volunteers. The Provincial Government is pleased to continue to do our part to assist our communities in supporting the women and men of the volunteer fire service.”
Four fire departments have applied and been approved for new firefighting equipment, as follows:
| Department | Equipment | Cost-Share Ratio | Provincial Share | Project Total |
| Peterview | 3 portable radios, 2 mobile radios, mounts and antennas | 90/10 | $2,369 | $2,754 |
| Botwood | 3 portable radios, 2 mobile radios, 8 portable radios, 2 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), 7 complete sets of bunker gear | 80/20 | $21,476 | $28,088 |
| Norris Arm | 6 pagers | 90/10 | $2,449 | $2,847 |
| Stoneville | Paging system with 9 pagers and chargers | 90/10 | $7,456 | $8,668 |
“Our volunteer firefighters are dedicated individuals who provide much needed protection to our residents,” said Clayton Forsey, MHA for Exploits. “We appreciate our government’s commitment to strengthen fire and emergency services throughout the province and we welcome this funding, which will help ensure that our firefighters have the appropriate tools to keep them safe.”
Fire departments successful in receiving funding through the FES-NL program have applied for consideration with the support of their municipal councils and commit to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established cost share ratios.
“I am pleased that our government continues to invest in the equipment needs of fire fighters in communities throughout Lewisporte area,” said Wade Verge, MHA for Lewisporte. “Our volunteer fire departments provide an invaluable service to the people of our province. Support to these individuals to help them purchase the tools they need to better do their job is of utmost importance to our government.”
Budget 2012: People and Prosperity maintains $1.7 million in annual funding for firefighting infrastructure in addition to a $500,000 annual investment in firefighting equipment.
Since the creation of FES-NL in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles and in excess of $4 million for equipment, with a particular focus on personal protective equipment. Combined with the municipal contribution, more than $20 million in new equipment has been provided to community fire halls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Media contacts:
| Cheryl Gullage Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 631-9962 cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3552, 699-2403 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
2012 11 09 1:55 p.m.