This year’s $100,000 donation will be shared by 20 Ontario fire departments, including Fort Erie Fire & Emergency Services.
Enbridge Gas Distribution is partnering with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council to help Fort Erie Fire & Emergency Services purchase firefighting training materials.
“Safety is a priority at Enbridge and we are proud to support Ontario firefighters who share in our commitment to help keep our communities safe,” said Henry Timmers, Enbridge Gas Distribution.
Project Assist is a program that supplements existing training for Ontario volunteer and composite fire departments in the communities where Enbridge operates. This year’s $100,000 donation will be shared by 20 Ontario fire departments, including Fort Erie Fire & Emergency Services. Funds will be used to purchase educational materials for firefighters to enhance life-saving techniques. Since the launch of Project Assist in 2012, 84 Ontario fire departments have received additional firefighter training.
“The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council is proud to partner with Enbridge Gas Distribution for Project Assist. Firefighting is a dangerous and unpredictable profession and firefighters need to be prepared for any hazardous situation,” says Arthur Pullan, Executive Director of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council. “Project Assist helps fire departments access a variety of training materials to supplement their regular training programs and ultimately contributes to firefighter safety on the job.”
“These teaching supplies are critical to the safety of not only the community, but also our firefighters,” said Fire Chief Larry Coplen. “As time progresses, new life-saving techniques are established to increase our efforts as emergency responders. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest life-saving techniques because you never know when you’re going to be in a situation where they make the difference between life and death. We have to ensure we’re always at the top of our game.”
“We are grateful to Enbridge for including us in its Project Assist program, and for donating $5,000 towards new training materials for our firefighters,” said Mayor Wayne Redekop. “By developing partnerships with community organizations like Enbridge, we are able to leverage these types of opportunities and create a stronger, safer Fort Erie for all to enjoy.”
About the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
The Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (Council) is a registered charity established in 1993 with a mission to help create “a world where no one is hurt by fire.” The Council, chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal and supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety.
About the Fire Department
The Fort Erie Fire & Emergency Services consists of five volunteer stations throughout the municipality. Each of the five fire halls are run by volunteer District Chiefs in conjunction with the Fire Chief. Its mission is to protect life, property and the environment in Fort Erie through education, prevention, investigation, training, rescue, fire suppression, dangerous goods containment and life support services.
About Enbridge Gas Distribution
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 165-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge has ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the past seven years and was also named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2015. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to over two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGasNews.
PHOTO (Left to Right): Gary Laframboise, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, Mayor Wayne Redekop, Fort Erie Fire Chief Larry Coplen, Henry Timmers, Enbridge Gas Distribution.
