Municipal Affairs
February 11, 2013

Fire Departments Receive Funding for New
Communications and Firefighting Equipment

With an investment of just over $59,000, the Provincial Government is helping fire departments in the Trinity – Bay de Verde area streamline communications efforts and take advantage of new personal protective equipment. The funding is made available through the Firefighting Equipment Assistance Program through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL).

“Trained firefighters need a variety of important tools to do their job and this is a priority area identified by our government,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “This investment will provide three fire departments with the ability to communicate with each other when responding to fires and other emergencies in the area. Our government is pleased to support the efforts of the women and men of the volunteer fire service.”

Four area fire departments have applied and been approved for new communications and firefighting equipment.

Fire departments successful in receiving funding through the FES-NL program have applied for consideration with the support of their municipal councils and commit to cover their portion of the equipment through established cost share ratios.

"I commend the firefighters in our region for the valuable contribution they provide to residents throughout our communities," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth, and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay de Verde. "I am so pleased that a number of these fire departments are collaborating on this modern communications system and proud our government is able to assist the valiant efforts of our firefighters to protect lives and property."

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 FES-NL in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles 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 provided to community fire halls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2013 02 11                        11:15 a.m.