Volunteer first responder organizations will be able to purchase necessary safety equipment with help from the Emergency Services Provider Fund. Municipal Affairs Minister Derek Mombourquette announced more than $500,000 in grants today, Oct. 30, for 38 organizations throughout the province.“These organizations are supported by volunteers, who put in countless hours training for and responding to emergencies,” said Mr. Mombourquette. “The Emergency Services Provider Fund enhances the safety of those who give so selflessly to protect our communities.”The announcement was made at the Mira Road Volunteer Fire Department in Sydney, which was awarded $20,000 this year to purchase personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus.“The Emergency Services Provider Fund grant helps our volunteers stay as safe as possible while helping others in emergency situations,” said Brent Boyle, chief of the Mira Road Volunteer Fire Department. Eligible volunteer fire departments, hazardous materials teams and ground search and rescue 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 2017-18 grants, visit https://novascotia.ca/dma/funding/community/emergency-services-provider-fund.aspSource: Release