Emergency response groups can tap into $8.5M

Fire departments and emergency response organizations across the province will be able to purchase much-needed equipment thanks to help from the Emergency Service's Provider Fund.
The fund was initially announced in September 2007 as a one-time, $5 million initiative, but has since expanded to almost $8.5 million. A total of 222 volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations will benefit from the fund.
The New Glasgow Fire Department applied for $67,000 to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses, new sets of bunker gear and an air conditioner for the station.
In the meantime, some fire departments in Pictou County have already received money from the fund. The East River Valley Volunteer Fire Department was one of the first to receive funding.
Kevin Stuart, the department's chief, says the $27,000 they received last month will be used to purchase new fire hoses, radios, breathing apparatus bottles and bunker gear. Their biggest purchase, however, will be a thermal imaging camera, which will allow firefighters to quickly identify heat sources.
Before the province announced plans for this fund, the department had drawn a five-year plan to purchase new, necessary equipment, Stuart says. "When this opportunity came along, we jumped on it."
Currently, firefighters are using older, used equipment, Stuart says. Moreover, he says many of their firefighters have been trained on equipment, like the thermal imaging camera, that the department previously could never afford. "We're not a rich department. We had been using radios that are 20 years old. Our turnout gear is almost entirely made up of hand-me-downs from other fire departments," he says.
"This money is a big help for all fire departments. And hopefully, there will be more money coming our way in the future."
Premier Rodney MacDonald, meanwhile, has praised the volunteer fire departments and emergency organizations across Nova Scotia, who he said are deserving of such a fund.
"Firefighters and first responders are the backbone of our communities," he said in a press release. "This fund supports the work they do every day to keep us safe in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities. I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many volunteer firefighters and emergency service workers for their selfless dedication to their communities and our province."