November 22, 2012
Improvements in Firefighter Safety Continue on the South Coast
More than $26,000 in funding has been approved for a number of fire departments on the south coast of Newfoundland. Through the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Assistance Program, fire departments will receive this funding to purchase important equipment for their firefighters.
“The Provincial Government is committed to helping communities provide their volunteer firefighters with much needed equipment,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Service. “These funds directly benefit our municipal volunteers and our government is pleased to be able to provide this support.”
Four area fire departments have been approved for new firefighting equipment, as outlined below.
| Department | Equipment | Cost-Share Ratio | Provincial Share | Project Total |
| Milltown-Head Bay D’Espoir | 2 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) and 2 air cylinders | 90/10 | $10,672 | $12,407 |
| Hermitage-Sandyville | 3 Bunker Suits (Jackets and Pants), 3 Pairs of Boots, and 3 Helmets | 90/10 | $4,647 | $5,403 |
| Harbour Breton | Rescue air bags for vehicle extrication | 90/10 | $1,302 | $1,514 |
| Francois | 4 Complete Bunker Suits | 90/10 | $5,953 | $6,921 |
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.
“This Provincial Government support will go a long way in ensuring the personal safety of firefighters on the south coast,” said Tracey Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay- Cape LaHune. “Firefighters are a brave and determined group of women and men and I am proud to support their efforts. The invaluable service provided by these committed volunteers is appreciated by the residents of our communities and 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 709-729-3551, 699-2402 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
2012 11 22 11:10 a.m.