Enbridge Gas Inc. is helping the Blind River Fire Department purchase firefighting training materials, through Safe Community Project Assist, a program with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) that supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.
The company is donating $250,000 that will be shared by 50 Ontario fire departments, including Blind River, with the donation made today. Funds are used to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.
“At Enbridge Gas, safety is at the core of what we do. Providing support to Ontario firefighters with emergency response training, we’re equipping the heroes of tomorrow to better protect the communities we live and work in, keeping them healthy and vibrant,” says Brent Belec, operations supervisor, Northeast-Northern Region, Enbridge Gas.
Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 344 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training.
“Fire departments train every single day and that’s why it’s important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe. Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford some of these training tools and improves the ongoing learning that occurs across Ontario,” said Jon Pegg, Ontario fire marshal and chair of the FMPFSC, in a news release.
“The Town of Blind River Council and community would like to thank Enbridge for its generous funding,” said mayor Sally Hagman. “Rural northern Ontario municipalities rely on programs such as this to ensure our residents and firefighters remain safe through ongoing training and education.”
“We are truly grateful for the opportunity to be funded by this project. Training is an integral component of firefighting. Grants like these, help strengthen our fire department, and the community as a result,” said Fire Chief Ryan Belair.
The Blind River Fire Department is a volunteer department, established in 1906. The department operates with a total of 24 firefighters and provides 24-hour emergency response services to the community and in the immediate area.