Eight local fire departments receive provincial funding for equipment purchases
First-responder organizations across Nova Scotia will be able to purchase necessary safety equipment with a $1.4 million investment from the province.
“First responders have an essential role in the safety of our communities, and we thank them for their dedication and commitment,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “Many of these organizations are supported by volunteers, who put countless hours into training and responding to emergencies. This funding will help ensure they have the tools and equipment to keep them safe.”
Local departments that are recipients of the fund include:
Little Harbour Fire Department $20,000.00
East River St. Mary’s Fire Department $20,000.00
Linacy Community Association/Fire Department $20,000.00
Merigomish and District Fire Department $20,000.00
Trenton Fire Department $20,000.00
River John Fire Department $20,000.00
Westville Fire and Rescue Department $20,000.00
Barney's River Fire Department $20,000
The Emergency Services Provider Fund offers financial assistance to fire departments and ground search and rescue organizations, including hazardous materials teams (HAZMAT), to upgrade equipment that is used directly in response to a fire or emergency.
“This program provides the necessary funding to help buy and replace safety equipment,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Chuck Porter. “In providing this funding to our first responder organizations, we are helping to protect the people who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us.”
In May 2019, the program criteria changed to allow organizations to choose from a broader list of eligible equipment such as GPS and mapping/tracking software and purchase equipment from up to three of the six categories, instead of just one.