The Norwich Fire Service recently received a $42,112 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.
NORWICH TOWNSHIP - The Norwich Fire Service has been awarded a Lifesaving Equipment Grant.
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada has donated $42,112 to purchase a Solo Rescue Decon Washer/Extractor to properly clean their firefighter gear.
The goal of the new washer is to help create a safer work environment by reducing cancer risks and exposures to carcinogenic materials while on duty.
Director of Fire and Protective Services Derek Van Pagee is happy to see the new machine installed for the team to utilize.
"In the past we always had to clean gear like [breathing apparatus and helmets] by hand, leading to exposure while cleaning it. You're scrubbing it with your hands, exposing yourself, your skin and you're breathing in airborne particles. This device is designed to do it completely enclosed, so our firefighters don't need to [risk themselves] anymore. They can load it up, walk away and come back just 10 minutes later and know it will be carcinogenic-free."
Since 2015, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded 306 grants to public safety organizations in Canada. The Norwich Fire grant is one of 22 grants being awarded this year.
Click here to learn more about the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.

Christmas Lights Stolen in Ingersoll
UPDATE: Cyber Security Experts Investigating Oxford Incident
PJHL Preview - Dec. 12th to Dec. 14th
Tour of Lights Begins this Weekend
Drunk Drivers Charged in Woodstock
Week Three Results for Festive RIDE Campaign
Woodstock Passes 2026 Capital Budget
WFD Respond to Two Fires in the City
An Impaired Driver was Caught in EZT
Oxford OPP Investigating Serious Collision
Interview with the Warden - December 11th, 2025
SWOX Christmas Lights Contest Returns!
Ingersoll Choral Society Presents: Christmas Bells
UPDATE: Snow Squalls Hit Oxford
UPDATE: OPP Officers Released from Hospital
R.O.P.E. Squad Searching for Suspect
Police Investigating Highway 401 Crash
Oxford Hires Director of Financial Services
UPDATE: Air Transat Avoids Pilot Strike
Safe Community Project Zero Comes to SWOX
Comments
Add a comment