NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.
Fire departments and emergency responders on the South Shore will be able to purchase equipment to help them better protect their communities with provincial support announced today, Aug.

15.

Through the Emergency Services Provider Fund, the province is investing over $125,000 in 10 organizations in the Region of Queens Municipality, Lunenburg and Shelburne counties.

“We are pleased to provide this support to fire departments and first responders so they can buy equipment to provide better service to residents and communities,” said Sterling Belliveau, Minister of Environment on behalf of John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. “We want to ensure our emergency responders have the tools they need to safely and effectively carry out their duties.”

The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment used in the response to a fire or an emergency such as personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, hydraulic pump, cutter, communication equipment, and thermal imaging camera.

“We are very thankful for the funds provided to help us upgrade our extrication equipment,” said Dwayne Hunt, fire chief, Island and Barrington Passage Volunteer Fire Department. “With the rapidly changing technologies in vehicle construction it is imperative we upgrade our equipment to be able to provide this important service to our communities.

“This project has been in the works for three years and with the assistance of the Emergency Services Provider Fund it will come to fruition,” said Mr. Hunt.

The program provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects, to a maximum contribution of $20,000. In total, the program is providing about $500,000 to 55 organizations.

Source: Release