Grant supports training for County’s firefighters

Mayor Peter Mertens, Fire Prevention Officer Mike Branscombe, Deputy Fire Chief Robert Rutter, Union Gas’ Phillip Langlois and local Fire Protection Advisor Dan Koroscil gathered for the $5,000 grant announcement.

Firefighter training in Prince Edward County is now cooking with gas – Union Gas, that is – thanks to a $5,000 grant toward training materials.

The funds are part of a “Project Assist” campaign between the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council and Union Gas to assist seven volunteer fire departments in the province in the purchase of firefighter training materials such as textbooks, presentations, videos and other resources.

“A well-trained fire department is able to meet challenge safely and better protect the people of Ontario,” said Phillip Langlois, Union Gas utility services construction manager. “Firefighters risk their lives every day to keep Ontarians safe and with these grants, we recognize their efforts and their dedication.”

PEC’s fire department was one of seven chosen

through a random draw of applications.

Having access to up-to-date training materials is crucial to firefighter health and safety, said Dan Koroscil, Prince Edward Hastings Fire Protection Advisor with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.

“The Project assist donation from Union Gas will allow the Prince Edward County Fire Department to update its learning library for its 149 firefighters,” said Chief Scott Manlow.

The County firefighters are responsible for 1,048 sq. km coverage area including 1,100 km of roads and 800 km of shore line. The department has 144 volunteers, five full time staff and four administration staff. Firefighting services include structural, vehicle and grass/brush fires, medical first response, vehicle accidents and extrications and ice water rescue. The PEC Fire Department also feature educational programs for the County’s schools and community.