Justice and Public Safety
September 9, 2015

Protecting Communities from Fires and Emergencies

Minister Announces Funding for New Firefighting Vehicle in Placentia

The Provincial Government today announced funding toward the purchase of a $340,000 customized fire truck for the Town of Placentia. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined for the announcement in Placentia by the Honourable Felix Collins, Attorney General and MHA for Placentia - St. Mary's.

"The Provincial Government is proud to partner with communities across the province to help them provide effective fire and emergency services. Providing funding to assist municipalities such as the Town of Placentia in purchasing modern firefighting vehicles is one of the key ways we accomplish this goal. This customized fire truck will enhance the capabilities of the Placentia Volunteer Fire Department, ensuring homes and businesses in the area are even better protected."
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador

Funding for the vehicle is being provided on an 80/20 cost-sharing basis with the Provincial Government providing the larger portion and the Town of Placentia providing the remainder. The customized fire truck will be a pumper with additional features and capabilities identified as priorities by the Placentia Volunteer Fire Department.

"Volunteer firefighters provide the highest quality of service for the residents of Placentia - St. Mary's. Firefighters risk their lives to protect people and property and this customized fire truck will help them do that more safely and effectively for the Town of Placentia."
- The Honourable Felix Collins, Attorney General and MHA for Placentia-St. Mary's

This investment is part of more than $5 million included in Budget 2015 for fire protection vehicles and equipment, matching the largest-ever amount allocated to fire and emergency services in the previous year's budget.

"A well-equipped fire department is critical to a community's sense of security. This customized fire truck will provide the capabilities our firefighters need to complete their work as quickly as possible. I thank everyone who advocated for this new fire truck."
- Wayne Power, Mayor of Placentia

From Budget 2004 to the end of 2014-15, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $21 million toward the purchase of new fire protection vehicles.

QUICK FACTS

• The Town of Placentia will receive funding from the Provincial Government towards the purchase of a new customized fire truck for its volunteer fire department.
• The funding for the $340,000 truck is being provided on an 80/20 cost-shared basis with the Provincial Government providing the larger portion.
• Approximately $5 million is being invested through Budget 2015 in fire protection vehicles and equipment.
• From Budget 2004 to the end of 2014-15, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $21 million towards the purchase of new fire protection vehicles.

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Media contacts:

Ryan Crocker Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca	Margaret Craniford Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Felix Collins MHA for Placentia - St. Mary's 709-729-6926
Wayne Power Mayor Town of Placentia 709-227-2151

2015 09 09                              9:30 a.m.