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Municipal Affairs Government Services March 5, 2008 New Licence Plate Introduced to Recognize Provincial Firefighters To recognize the valuable service of firefighters in Newfoundland and Labrador, a special category of licence plate has been designed to be used exclusively for volunteer and career firefighters in the province. The Honourable Dave Denine, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Emergency Preparedness, and the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services, presented the unique licence plate to Richard Murphy, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services (NLAFS) this morning at the Conception Bay South fire hall in Kelligrews. "The licence plate is an important opportunity to support those individuals dedicated to saving lives and properties, and to recognize the hard work and dedication of firefighters in this province," said Minister Denine. "The new plates will clearly identify firefighters to other vehicles and pedestrians. Developed in consultation with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services, this licence plate is similar to those being used in other Atlantic Provinces." The licence plate will be issued through an arrangement with the Department of Government Services. The Office of the Fire Commissioner and local fire chiefs will co-manage the certification of firefighters for issuance of the plate with the Motor Registration Division of Government Services. The annual registration fee will be the responsibility of the individual holding the licence plate. The specialty licence plate has been designed with the following attributes: the word "firefighter" identified across the top of the plate, the Maltese cross and plate sequence number comprised of FF and a four-digit sequential number, and the Newfoundland and Labrador brand at the bottom of the plate. "This is a proud day for firefighters in our province in recognition for the hard work and dedication they display every day in protecting citizens of this province," said Minister O�Brien. "The Motor Registration Division will ensure that requests for plates will be processed in a timely manner and firefighters who have already filled out forms can expect to receive their plates within approximately four weeks. Although there is no cost for receiving the plates, I have to stress that firefighters must still pay the same annual vehicle registration fee as everyone else, and the plate does not exempt firefighters from any highway traffic rules and regulations." Richard Murphy is pleased with the development of the licence plate which will allow active firefighters to be easily recognized and identified. "Many volunteer fire departments have been inquiring about the development of a special identification plate. This initiative has been well-received by firefighters; in fact we have over 800 individuals who have completed the necessary paperwork and are awaiting receipt of their new plates." The Provincial Government has contributed nearly $1 million toward volunteer fire services throughout the province this fiscal year. In 2007-08, initiatives thus far include increases in operating grants, program funding and equipment purchasing such as fire trucks, as well as supplementary insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters. The Provincial Government continues to work closely with the NLAFS to recognize specific priorities within the industry which require funding. Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador will support all costs related to the production of the licence plate. -30- Media contacts:
2008 03 05 10:35 a.m. |
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