Fire departments across Essex County are set to receive a significant financial boost for critical safety equipment, with a focus on protecting firefighters from occupational cancer risks. The announcement was made this week by local officials, highlighting a provincial investment aimed at modernizing fire services.
Provincial Funding Targets Firefighter Health
More than $250,000 in funding from the Ontario government is being distributed to five fire services in the region. The total grant amount is $255,712, allocated through the province's Fire Protection Grant program.
MPP Anthony Leardi (PC — Essex) joined fire officials and municipal leaders, including Mayor Sherry Bondy, at Essex Fire Station 1 to make the announcement. "Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, our homes, and our communities," Leardi stated. "These investments help ensure local fire services have the equipment they need to stay safe and respond effectively."
Leardi also noted that the province has doubled the total funding available for the Fire Protection Grant this year, increasing it from $10 million to $20 million. Grants are awarded through an application-based process.
How the Grant Money Will Be Spent
The allocated funds are designated for specific safety and modernization purposes. The money is to be used for:
- Equipment and supplies for cancer prevention.
- Tools to address emerging threats like lithium-ion battery fires.
- Infrastructure upgrades and general modernization of fire services.
The largest local share of the grant, $82,000, is awarded to the Municipality of Lakeshore Fire Department. This funding will purchase a drying cabinet for fire gear, along with new bunker gear, structural fire gloves, and particulate-blocking hoods.
Lakeshore Fire Chief Jason Suchiu expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing its role in cancer prevention. "It will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our firefighters," Suchiu said in a statement.
Detailed Breakdown for Local Departments
The Amherstburg fire department will receive $52,821. This grant will fund new bunker gear, helmets, boots, gloves, and protective hoods. Crucially, it also includes the purchase of a new gear washer extractor for proper cleaning and decontamination, plus renovations to the fire station. These renovations feature upgrades to decontamination shower facilities to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.
Essex Fire and Rescue Services is allocated $48,444. This money will assist in purchasing a Circul-Air Roto-Decon washer and three CrewProtect 50 air filtration and decontamination systems. The funding also covers specialized decontamination detergents, industrial fire wipes, and soaps designed to remove harmful carcinogens from gear.
The remaining funds from the $255,712 total will be distributed among the other two fire departments in the county, ensuring a wide-reaching impact on firefighter safety and operational readiness across Essex County.
