Four fire departments in Labrador will benefit from a
Provincial Government investment of $37,789 for enhanced fire fighter
protection. The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs
and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today
announced funding for Northwest River, Cartwright, Red Bay and L'Anse au
Clair fire departments. The funding, which provides for fire fighting
equipment with a focus on personal protection, is administered through
Fire and Emergency Services — Newfoundland and Labrador.
"Volunteer fire fighters in this province are a
dedicated group of individuals who provide much needed protection to our
communities and residents," said Minister O'Brien. "Our government
believes that through strong municipal partnerships, we can assist our
communities and regions to provide the protection required to these
individuals who so freely give of themselves during times of emergency."
The funding announced today will provide for
protective equipment such as bunker suits, self-contained breathing
apparatus, spare air cylinders and portable pumps.
"Through the purchase of essential equipment, we are
helping to ensure that our fire fighters have the appropriate tools to
protect themselves," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister of
Labrador Affairs and MHA for Lake Melville. "Improved emergency response
is a clear objective contained in the Northern Strategic Plan for
Labrador and this investment in fire fighter protection supports that
objective."
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments — For Our
Children and Our Future
doubled the investment in fire fighting
equipment from $500,000 to $1 million, while also increasing
expenditures on fire fighting vehicles to a total of $2.5 million.
Funding for Labrador will be shared between the Provincial Government
and the respective communities under the 90/10 cost shared ratio
established through the Municipal Capital Works Program, for a total
project cost of more than $44,000.
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