New Firefighting Vehicle Heading to New-Wes-Valley

Attendees at the New-Wes-Valley Firefigher’s Ball were pleased to learn that the town will receive funding to purchase a new firefighting vehicle valued at approximately $230,000. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, along with Eli Cross, MHA for Bonavista North, made the announcement at the event which took place Friday, November 16.

“The Town of New-Wes-Valley provides a regionalized service among the eight communities served by the amalgamated council and I am pleased to support their efforts to provide quality fire protection services to residents,” said Minister O’Brien. “This new firefighting vehicle will enhance the services provided by the town’s dedicated firefighters and will assist in ensuring they have modern equipment with which to train in the latest techniques and to protect area residents and businesses.”

New-Wes-Valley will receive a new four-door pumper truck to service their community. Based on population, the town will avail of the 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the equipment.

“This announcement of a new pumper truck for New-Wes-Valley is welcome news for the area of Bonavista North,” said Mr. Cross. “The great work of our rural firefighters and municipal volunteers is well known by our government and we are pleased to support the town’s efforts to provide its volunteer firefighters with state of the art equipment for the protection of residents.”

Minister O’Brien noted this firefighting vehicle for New-Wes-Valley is one of approximately eight new vehicles which will be purchased in partnership with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Public tenders for new vehicles will be let in the coming weeks, with delivery anticipated for summer 2013. New emergency vehicles announced last year have arrived in Harbour Grace, Pouch Cove, Burgeo, Bonavista, and Norman’s Cove-Long Cove, Clarenville, Glovertown, and Bay de Verde, with the remaining vehicles expected throughout the coming weeks.

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 Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles in the province 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 infused into community fire halls throughout the province.

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2012 11 19             10:00 a.m.