New Firefighting Tanker Truck Arrives in Ming’s Bight

A new tanker truck for the Ming’s Bight Fire Department was officially unveiled this weekend. On behalf of the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, Kevin Pollard, MHA for Baie Verte - Springdale presented the vehicle keys to the community Friday evening, December 28, as town officials and community members joined in the event.

“This new vehicle, valued at over $219,000, demonstrates the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to municipal fire protection services in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister O’Brien. “Twenty-two new firefighting vehicles have been arriving in communities across the province this fall, providing new, state-of-the-art equipment for our valuable volunteers. When used by a well-trained and efficient fire department, a new vehicle can help firefighters protect the residents, homes and businesses of our communities and I am pleased to see this equipment arrive at its new home.”

The Ming’s Bight tanker was cost-shared 90/10 between the Provincial Government and the community and is one of 22 new vehicles announced last year that have been arriving this fall in communities throughout the province. Other new vehicles arrivals have arrived in Harbour Grace, Pouch Cove, Burgeo, Bonavista, Norman’s Cove-Long Cove, Clarenville, Glovertown, Bay de Verde, Lourdes, Meadows, Labrador City, Bishop’s Falls, Glovertown, Musgrave Harbour, North West River, Trepassey, Twillingate, Embree, Baine Harbour, Harbour Breton, and Port au Choix.

“I commend the commitment and hard work of the community of Ming’s Bight in supporting the many efforts of the community fire department,” said Mr. Pollard. “Reliable vehicles and appropriate tools are an essential part of providing an effective response in fire protection and I am happy to have had the opportunity to help Ming’s Bight welcome this new tanker vehicle to the department.”

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity includes $1.7 million for firefighting infrastructure, in addition to a $500,000 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.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2012 12 31             9:25 a.m.