KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER
South Glengarry Fire Chief Dave Robertson presented his proposal to the South Glengarry Council, to apply for the Fire Protection Grant. This grant, designed to support cancer prevention initiatives, is funded through the Ministry of the Solicitor General and has been increased in 2025-26 to $20 million over three years to qualifying municipal fire departments.
The Fire Protection Grant can also be used for equipment and training – items critical to improving the health and safety of firefighters. If the grant is approved for South Glengarry, it is expected to be valued at $80,000. With that in mind, Chief Robertson plans to use $50,000 of the grant towards the replacement of firefighters’ bunker gear which has a life span of 10 years. South Glengarry had already budgeted $50,000 towards the replacement of gear, but acquiring the Fire Protection Grant would permit the replacement to be expedited. Any spare bunker gear would allow firefighters to remain on call for emergencies, even when their personal gear is being maintained or cleaned.
Another $5,000 of the Fire Protection Grant, if acquired, would be put towards the completion of the Rehab trailer. The already owned, enclosed trailer would have washroom facilities, be temperature controlled for use all year long to offer decontamination space and provide comfort for firefighters, particularly during long callouts. Much of the work on transforming the trailer to a rehab station is already complete, but the extra funding will allow the remaining work to be completed.
In addition, Chief Robertson hopes to invest up to $20,000 towards equipment that would test both the breathing apparatus and staff that use the respirators. To meet CSA standards, the bi-annual testing is $3,000 per year by a contractor. By investing in the testing equipment, more frequent testing could be afforded to ensure the equipment is always functioning at its best, reducing risk to the firefighters. South Glengarry Fire Services is in discussion with neighbouring Fire Departments to consider sharing the cost of the equipment or commit to renting the equipment from South Glengarry.
Another $5,000 from the Fire Protection Grant would be put towards specialized training and equipment for South Glengarry Fire Services specifically for dealing with lithium-ion battery fires. Any remaining funds from the grant would allow the purchase of additional respirator masks and air tank cylinders, to limit sharing of equipment when fire operations force limiting opportunity for cleaning or sterilizing.
The Fire Protection Grant demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to supporting and protecting firefighters who help to keep communities safe, allowing municipal fire services to invest funds in areas that best meets the needs of individual fire departments.
L’article South Glengarry Fire Services to apply for grant est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
