The Ontario government is delivering on its commitment to supporting the health and safety of Prince Edward County firefighters.
$164,450 in funding was announced for the County through the Fire Protection Grant to support the municipality’s firefighter cancer prevention program in an event on Thursday.
The municipality will use the funds to purchase a second automated equipment decontamination machine, a mechanism that removes hazardous substances from the equipment worn by firefighters.
The machine will be installed at the Consecon fire station, helping reduce the time required to clean equipment.
Additional plans include the purchase of hose washing machines, new respiratory protection equipment, and spare personal protective equipment to ensure that firefighters can promptly return to service following a response to an emergency incident.
Interim Fire Chief Tim Kraemer applauded the province’s action.
“The World Health Organization recently reclassified firefighting to its highest level of occupational risk for cancer. This development reinforces just how important it is that our equipment is clean and free of hazardous substances.”
The County had previously received more than $82,000 through grant funding to support the purchase of an automated equipment decontamination machine that was installed at the Picton fire station.
The municipality also purchased two powered air purifying respirators and respirator face pieces.
