First Responders Receive Grants for Safety Equipment

Volunteer first responder organizations will be able to purchase necessary safety equipment with help from the Emergency Services Provider Fund.

Municipal Affairs Minister Chuck Porter announced more than $900,000 in grants for 60 organizations throughout the province.

“These organizations are supported by volunteers, who put in countless hours training for and responding to emergencies,” said Mr. Porter. “The Emergency Services Provider Fund enhances the safety of those who give so selflessly to protect our communities.”

The announcement was made at the North River and District Fire Brigade in North River, Colchester Co. which was awarded $20,000 this year to purchase personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.

“We are extremely pleased to receive the Emergency Services Provider funding towards fourteen new breathing apparatus,” said captain Evan Hansen of the North River and District Fire Brigade. “Our firefighters are essential to the safety and well-being of our communities.

“We owe it to all our volunteers to provide them with the best training and equipment, so we can do our jobs more effectively and safely. This grant is enabling us to do just that.”

The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers financial assistance to volunteer fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including HAZMAT organizations, to upgrade equipment that is used directly in response to a fire or emergency.

Eligible organizations can apply for up to 75 per cent of new safety equipment costs, to a maximum of $20,000.

For a complete list of 2018-19 grants, visit https://novascotia.ca/dma/funding/community/emergency-services-provider-fund.asp .