As first responders continue serving South Frontenac Township it is essential that South Frontenac Fire & Rescue (SFFR) has the tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada® has recognized this need and recently awarded the department a $49,833 grant to purchase 90 sets of technical rescue/wildland firefighting boots.
The new boots will ensure SFFR firefighters are safe, comfortable, and able to perform their duties effectively during search and rescue operations, wildland fires and more. The new boots are specifically designed to increase firefighter comfort and mobility during tough terrain while trekking through wooded areas and are also certified for medical and hazardous material responses.
“There are several hard-to-access areas within the jurisdiction of our fire department in South Frontenac, Ontario”, says Del Blakney, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief. “This includes expansive and rugged terrain within Ontario provincial parks, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) wildland areas, and an extensive network of local trail systems, including the Cataraqui Trail, K&P Trail, Rideau Trail, and the Gould Lake Conservation Area. Without this grant, our firefighters lacked suitable footwear for wildfires and rescue missions deep within wooded spaces.”
This investment in footwear strengthens the fire department’s ability to serve the residents and visitors of South Frontenac and ensure timely, safe, and effective emergency response throughout the diverse and challenging landscape.
“We are extremely grateful to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada and our local Firehouse Subs® restaurant in Kingston for this vital support,” said Blakney. “Having reliable, up-to-date equipment enhances our ability to protect lives and better serve our community.”
For more than 10 years, charitable donations have powered the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada’s mission to support first responders and public safety organizations nationwide. Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded 438 grants totaling over $6.3 million to public safety organizations.