Justice and Public Safety
August 11, 2015
Enhancing Safety for Residents
Funding Provided for New Rescue Vehicle in Torbay
The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, announced yesterday that funding is being provided to the Town of Torbay for vital rescue equipment. Through funding provided under Budget 2015, the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department is receiving funding for a new walk-in rescue vehicle valued at approximately $220,000. The funding for the new vehicle is being provided on a 70/30 basis with the Provincial Government providing the larger portion and the Town of Torbay providing the remainder.
“This new rescue vehicle will significantly enhance the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department’s ability to respond to emergencies in the area. Ensuring that first responders have access to modern equipment is a priority for the Provincial Government and it was an honour to participate in today’s announcement and witness first-hand just how much of an impact that this new vehicle will have for local communities.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister
Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
The funding is part of the more than $5 million being provided through this year’s budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment.
“Our volunteer firefighters provide a critical service to residents in a number of communities in the Torbay region and make considerable sacrifices to ensure the safety of residents. I thank them for their work and dedication. This new walk-in vehicle will be an important tool to assist these firefighters in their efforts to make our region safer.”
- Kevin Parsons, MHA for Cape St. Francis
From Budget 2004 to the end of 2014-15, the Provincial Government contributed more than $21 million toward the purchase of 133 new fire protection vehicles. In addition, more than $6.5 million was invested in new firefighting equipment during the same period.
“We are delighted to receive more support as we strive to keep our fire protection vehicle fleet as up to date as possible. The work our department performs is recognized province-wide and this vehicle will not only increase their ability to respond to calls efficiently, but even more important, more safely as well.”
- Mayor Ralph Tapper of the Town of Torbay
The Torbay Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the residents of Torbay and Flatrock for 37 years.
“A new rescue unit is very much needed for our department at this time. Last year this department responded to 244 calls, and half of them were the type of medical calls which this vehicle is designed for. So thank you for assisting us in bringing this capability to the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department.”
- Fire Chief Mike McGrath
Currently, the area covered by the fire department is home to more than 8,000 residents, as well as many businesses.
QUICK FACTS:
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, was in Torbay yesterday to announce a $220,000 cost-shared investment for a new walk-in rescue vehicle for the Torbay Volunteer Fire Department.
- The funding for the new vehicle is being provided on a 70/30 basis with the Provincial Government providing the larger portion and the Town of Torbay providing the remainder.
- Budget 2015 included approximately $5 million for fire protection vehicles and equipment, matching the highest-ever level of funding for fire and emergency services in Newfoundland and Labrador set the previous year.
- From Budget 2004 to the end of 2014-15, the Provincial Governmentcontributed more than $21 million toward the purchase of 133 new fire protection vehicles. In addition, more than $6.5 million was invested in new firefighting equipment.
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Media contact:
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Ryan Crocker Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 709-682-5011 ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca |
2015 08 11 10:00 a.m.