Summerford to Receive New Firefighting Rescue Vehicle

Community leaders and residents of Summerford were pleased to learn that the town will receive funding to purchase a new firefighting rescue vehicle valued at approximately $210,000. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, along with the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for the Isles of Notre Dame, made the announcement this morning at the Summerford Community Centre.

“The Summerford fire department is a well-managed and sustainable municipal service, and I am pleased to support their efforts with today’s announcement,” said Minister O’Brien. “Summerford’s fire department has been providing a great regional service to no less than 16 communities in the New World Island/ Boyd’s Cove area, which is encouraging to see. This new firefighting vehicle will enhance the services provided by the town’s dedicated firefighters and assist them in their efforts to protect area residents and businesses from the threat of fires and other emergencies.”

Based on population, Summerford will avail of the 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the new firefighting rescue vehicle.

“Dependable firefighting equipment is essential to the overall success of fire and rescue services, and the safety of our community’s volunteers,” said Minister Dalley. “The Summerford Volunteer Fire Department provides a top-notch, essential service on New World Island. I commend its volunteer firefighters for their commitment and dedication in upholding safety in the community. This new fire truck will undoubtedly enhance the level of response they can provide to residents in the future. Today’s announcement is very positive news for us all.”

Minister O’Brien noted that this firefighting vehicle for Summerford 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, Norman’s Cove-Long Cove, Clarenville, Glovertown, Bay de Verde, Lourdes and Meadows, 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 23                        11:40 a.m.