Province Supports Emergency Services Providers

Ground search and rescue, volunteer fire departments and other emergency services provider groups will get more than $1.14 million from the province to buy equipment that will help them save lives.

“Every Nova Scotian deserves to feel safe in their community and know that help is available, if needed,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We rely on these people, many of whom are volunteers, to keep us safe and help us in our worst moments. I know personally what it is like to need those services. I’d like to thank them for their dedication and commitment.”

The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers money to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including hazardous materials teams, to upgrade equipment that is used directly in response to a fire or emergency.

Quotes:

“Cape Breton Search and Rescue is grateful to have been chosen to receive funding this year through this program. With this money the team is able to purchase essential equipment to keep our volunteers safe in the field and improve our communications to help reunite loved ones in our community during a time of need.”

– Greg O’Flaherty, president, Cape Breton Search and Rescue

Quick Facts:

• 65 organizations are receiving funding under the program this fiscal year
• categories include personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus, communications, rescue equipment, miscellaneous firefighting equipment, hazardous materials equipment and emergency power for buildings
• organizations can apply every three years
• the program provides up to 75 per cent of eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000

Additional Resources:

Full list of 2021-22 Emergency Service Provider Fund grant recipients: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/emergency-services-provider-fund-grant-recipients-2021