Innisfil firefighters have a little more protection, thanks to the Ontario government.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP Andrea Khanjin, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services Chief Brent Thomas and Mayor Lynn Dollin were on hand at the Big Bay Point station Thursday morning, to announce $86,000 in funding for the department.
The money, which has already been distributed through the province’s fire protection grant, was used to help Innisfil Fire expand cancer-prevention initiatives and improve safety in lithium-ion battery-related emergencies, through the purchase of decontamination kits, new gloves and hoods, and additional bunker gear.
“We are so grateful,” Thomas said. “(It) was used to purchase equipment to not just help us do our jobs safely, but to enhance firefighter health and safety. It is so appreciated. Budget dollars don’t go as far as we’d like them to. It certainly helps us with the things we otherwise couldn't afford. This need has been there."
The money will ensure each pumper truck has a hose washer, as well as a decontamination pack, which is used to remove soot, drywall and other hazardous substances from gear.
"We had one of these in the department, and now basically we're going to have one for every pumper, so basically every station," Thomas said of the decontamination packs.
New gear will also be appreciated by the department's 140 staff — including 85 volunteer firefighters — because equipment needs to air dry once washed to prevent the material from degrading.
"It's financially difficult to have two sets of gear for everyone," Thomas said, noting each set costs about $3,700. "When we're washing their gear when it's contaminated after a call, we try to maintain a set of about 20 (spares) in different sizes so they have something to wear while their stuff is being decontaminated."
This year’s grant will support all 380 municipal fire departments across the province. Money can also be used on minor infrastructure upgrades and modernization, including enhanced broadband and internet connectivity, Khanjin said.
“Grant funding is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our community’s firefighters,” she said. “The funding is already being put to work. By investing in the tools our firefighters need, we are strengthening their safety, enhancing operations, and ensuring they can continue protecting our communities effectively."
Khanjin said there's "no better way" to thank Ontario's roughly 33,000 firefighters than by ensuring their safety.