News release

First Responders to Purchase New Equipment

Municipal Affairs (April 2014 - May 2019)

First responders will be better equipped to respond to emergencies with about $500,000 in investments under the provincial Emergency Services Provider Fund.

Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill announced the funding for new equipment for 47 emergency service providers today, Aug. 26.

"This funding helps fire departments and other first responders obtain the equipment necessary to respond to emergencies and keep us all safe," said Mr. Churchill. "We need to ensure our first responders are protected and have the tools they need to do their jobs as safely as possible."

Equipment to be purchased includes personal protection equipment, self-contained breathing apparatuses, hoses, radios, pagers and rescue tools. First responders include fire departments, HAZ-MAT organizations, and ground search and rescue teams.

"We are pleased to be able to purchase protective gear for our firefighters," said Lakes and District Fire Chief Scott Killam. "Safety is paramount and this funding will ensure we can properly equip our members."

"This is an important program that helps fire departments obtain the equipment required to respond to emergencies every day," said Lake Vaughan Fire Chief Earle Raynard. "We work together with neighbouring fire departments on calls so the benefit of these investments extends beyond the individual department."

Organizations may receive up to 50 per cent of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $20,000, once every three years.