FERGUS – A table was filled with training manuals and other items at the Fergus fire hall on Feb. 2 thanks to a donation of $5,000 from Enbridge Gas.
“Centre Wellington is one of 50 fire departments who receive donations through Project Assist,” said Enbridge supervisor of operations for the southeast region Kyle Kemp at a media event at the station.
Kemp noted Enbridge promotes natural gas safety and firefighters know all too well what happens when gas is not handled in a safe manner.
“The money is for equipment and training,” Kemp continued. “We are proud to help enhance training efforts.”
Enbridge donated a total $250,000 to 50 fire departments across the province in communities it serves.
Fire chief Tom Mulvey said the training material will go a long way to ensuring firefighters are properly trained and can respond to any emergency.
He noted water rescue training is important in this community, with many falls into the Grand River reported throughout the year.
Much of the material purchased had to do with water rescues.
Since the launch of Safe Community Project Assist in 2012, 294 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training.
“Safe Community Project Assist improves access to training materials for fire departments,” stated Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council in a press release.
“Firefighting can be dangerous and unpredictable, and these training materials positively contribute to the health and safety of firefighters and the broader community.”
Mayor Shawn Watters was at the event, and he thanked Enbridge for its contribution and support.
“We really appreciate everything Enbridge has done,” he said.
“You are good stewards of the community.”
