Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department Receives Grant For Firefighter Training

Saturday, 4 January 2020 07:24

Photo credit: Township of Blandford-Blenheim

The Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department will be among 20 fire departments across Ontario who will share $100,000, which was donated by Enbridge Gas Inc. through the Project Assist program.

BLANDFORD-BLENHEIM - Enbridge Gas Inc. out of Toronto is helping the Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department with firefighter training.

They're assisting them through a program called Project Assist, which supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge Gas operates.

Fire Chief for the Township of Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department Rick Richardson says the donation from Enbridge Gas Inc. will benefit all their firefighters.

“The Township of Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department would like to say thank you very much to Enbridge Gas Inc. for their generous donation as part of Project Assist. These funds and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated by our firefighters, staff and all residents of Blandford-Blenheim. This financial support from Enbridge Gas Inc. will assist all of our firefighters in purchasing educational training materials that will enhance health and safety for our firefighters and also everyone in this community.”

The company donated $100,000 and it will be shared by 20 fire departments across the province, including Blandford-Blenheim.

Mayor Mark Peterson says the financial assistance will enable the firefighters to work safer.

“With the Enbridge Gas Project Assist program, firefighters across Ontario are benefiting with improved training. Firefighting safety and training go hand in hand. This gracious donation will allow our men and women to not only work safer, but with more skill and confidence. Blandford-Blenheim thanks you for your contribution and we look forward to an ongoing relationship with Enbridge.”

The money will be used to buy educational materials for firefighters to enhance life-saving techniques.

Director, Storage and Transmission Operations, Enbridge Gas Inc. Wes Armstrong praised the initiative.

“At Enbridge Gas, safety is our priority. We're proud to support Ontario firefighters who share our commitment to keeping our communities safe."

Ontario Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management Jon Pegg says it helps the fire departments in many ways.

“Project Assist improves access to training materials for municipal fire departments. Firefighting can be dangerous and unpredictable, and these training materials positively contribute to the health and safety of firefighters and the broader community.”

74 grants have been provided to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training since Project Assist was launched in 2012.