News release

Fire Departments, Emergency Responders Receive Equipment Funding

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

The province is helping more than 50 fire departments and emergency response organizations keep Nova Scotians and their homes safe with new equipment bought through the Emergency Services Provider Fund.

Pam Birdsall, MLA Lunenburg, on behalf of John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, announced funding for 12 projects in Lunenburg and Queens counties today, Sept. 17.

"These funds provide support to our fire departments and first responders and helps them protect communities across the province," said Ms. Birdsall. "We are making life better for Nova Scotians by making sure emergency responders can perform their duties safely and effectively."

The Emergency Services Provider Fund is a $500,000, application-based program that provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000 for approved projects.

Projects include the purchase of essential equipment such as jaws of life, self-contained breathing apparatuses, ice rescue equipment, communication equipment, thermal imaging cameras, and pumps, hoses, and nozzles.

"We certainly appreciate the funding provided by the province," said Blair Lantz, fire chief, New Germany Volunteer Fire Department. "These funds will help us upgrade our communications equipment and allow our members to better respond to fires and emergencies in the community."

A list of funded projects can be found at www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/muns/espf/ .