Area fire departments received over $255,000 from Ontario's Fire Protection Grant to improve protect firefighters and modernize services.
The municipalities of Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Lakeshore, and LaSalle each received funds as part of the program.
“Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, our homes, and our communities,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “These investments help ensure local fire services have the equipment they need to stay safe and respond effectively.”
The Town of Amherstburg was given $52,821.07 to purchase bunker gear, helmets, boots, gloves, and protective hoods for frontline firefighters. The grant will also help purchase gear washer extractor for proper decontamination.
Essex will purchase a Circul-Air Roto-Decon Washer and three Crew Protect 50 in-cab air filtration and decontamination systems, improving on-scene and post-response safety with its $48,44,50 grant.
Kingsville Fire and Rescue Services received $36,224,56 for the purchase of four AirMATION Industrial Air Cleaner units, complete with an activation system and optical sensors.
“These units will significantly reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful exhaust and support our ongoing efforts to protect their long-term health, including reducing cancer risk,” said Kingsville Fire Chief Scott Moore. “This investment helps ensure that the people who respond to emergencies in our community can work in a safer, healthier environment.”
The Lakeshore Fire Department will purchase a gear drying cabinet, Innotex bunker gear, structural firefighting gloves and particulate-blocking hoods with the $82,000 the town received.
Finally, the LaSalle Fire Service will purchase six spare sets of bunker gear and 55 particulate-blocking hoods with the $36,223 grant from the province.
