Fire Departments in Terra Nova District to Receive New Equipment

A number of rural fire departments in the Terra Nova region will acquire over $41,000 in new equipment through the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Assistance Program made available by Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL).

“Our government is dedicated to providing municipal fire departments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador with continued support and assistance, recognizing the critical role firefighters play in ensuring the safety and security of our residents,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Personal protective equipment provides for the safety of volunteers when they undertake dangerous work involved in the firefighting profession. I’m pleased to be able to further build on the investments we have made in vehicles and equipment throughout the province.”

Three area fire departments have been approved for new firefighting equipment, as outlined below.

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 provincial/municipal cost share ratios.

"This most recent announcement is further evidence that our government stands by its commitment to support our provinces fire departments," said Sandy Collins, MHA for Terra Nova district. "With the level of service and dedication shown by our firefighters, it is only right that we as a government return that support. This funding will help allow the Gambo, Glovertown, and Musgravetown volunteer fire departments provide a safe and reliable service to the communities under their watch."

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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2012 12 04                         11:55 a.m.