A funding grant from Enbridge Gas Ontario will help Belleville Fire & Emergency Services purchase training materials.
The Safe Community Project Assist program, offered in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, provides training resources to volunteer and composite fire departments in communities where Enbridge Gas operates.
Enbridge is investing $125,000 across 25 Ontario fire departments, including $5,000 for Belleville.
Funds are used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.
“Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Enbridge Gas–it’s one of our core values we live by,” says Mike Cooney. “We’re proud to support Ontario firefighters with emergency response training that helps them strengthen their skills, stay prepared and continue protecting the vibrant communities they serve.”
Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 394 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training.
“Fire departments across Ontario train every single day and that is why it is important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe. Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford these essential training tools and supports the ongoing learning that keeps the fire service safe,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal.
In a time of budget crunches, Fire Chief Dan Smith says, “These resources will assist our efforts in preparing our staff on the front lines, whether it be within fire prevention, supervisory or suppression staff. They will aid our efforts in working towards provincial certification as well as continued refresher training.”