October 16, 2012
Portugal Cove- St. Philips to Receive New Firefighting Vehicle
The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, has announced the town of Portugal Cove-St. Philips will receive funding to purchase a new firefighting vehicle valued at approximately $230,000. Minister O’Brien made the announcement last evening (Monday, October 15), joining David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East- Bell Island, and members of the community’s fire department during their routine training night.
“I am pleased to support the efforts of the Portugal Cove-St. Philips fire department as the community continues to expand and grow,” said Minister O’Brien. “The challenges faced by a number of communities to acquire large pieces of equipment are known by this Provincial Government. We remain committed to making the necessary strategic investments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to assist municipalities and local service districts to provide the best level of service possible for residents.”
Portugal Cove-St. Philips will receive a new four-door pumper truck to service their community. Based on population, the town will avail of the 80/20 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the equipment.
“This new truck is great news for the area and will equip the fire department to respond to emergencies more effectively,” said Mr. Brazil. “This announcement is another example of how our government recognizes the needs of Portugal Cove-St. Philips as a growing, vibrant community. The Provincial Government supports the town’s efforts to protect its citizens and provide its volunteer firefighters with state of the art equipment.”
Bill Fagan, Mayor of Portugal Cove- St. Philips, was appreciative of the Provincial Government support.
“Our community is extremely proud of our first-rate fire department and the important role they play in Portugal Cove-St. Philips,” said Mayor Fagan. “This announcement of a new pumper truck emphasizes the value of partnership between our town and the Provincial Government and we are very pleased with the significant level of support.”
Minister O’Brien noted this vehicle for Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s is just one of approximately eight new vehicles to be purchased in partnership with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Public tenders for new vehicles will be let in the coming weeks, with delivery anticipated for summer 2013. New emergency vehicles announced last year have begun to arrive in Harbour Grace, Pouch Cove, Burgeo and Bonavista, with the remaining vehicles expected throughout the fall.
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 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.
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Photo: David Brazil, MHA for Conception
Bay East - Bell Island; Michael Raine, Fire Chief; Bill Fagan, Mayor of
Portugal Cove-St. Philips; and the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of
Municipal Affairs, join members of the Portugal Cove-St. Philips Fire
Department following the announcement of a new fire truck for the community.
Media contacts:
| Cheryl Gullage Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 631-9962 cherylgullage@gov.nl.ca |
Tess Burke Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551, 699-2402 tessburke@gov.nl.ca |
| Jeff Lawlor Director of Economic Development, Marketing, and Communications Town of Portugal Cove- St. Philips 709-895-8000 jeff.lawlor@pcsp.ca |
2012 10 16 10:55 a.m.