Chuck Porter presented $250,000 in Emergency Services funding to the Windsor Fire Department at their April 2 Annual Meeting. West Hants Warden Richard Dauphinee (centre left), Windsor Fire Department Deputy Chief Wayne Swinimer, Hants West MLA Chuck Porter and Windsor Deputy Mayor Andy Kirk plus a large number of volunteer firefighters were on hand for the cheque presentation.
Jennifer Hoegg
Cash infusion for Windsor Fire Department
BY JENNIFER HOEGG
The Hants Journal
NovaNewsNow.com
Windsor Fire Chief Fred Fox summed it up nicely: “This is a major boost to the department’s ongoing efforts to replace aging, non-compliant and worn out equipment.”
He was referring to an April 2 visit by MLA Chuck Porter, who brought more Emergency Services Provider Fund money to Hants West in the form of a $250,000 grant for the Windsor Fire Department.
The large group of volunteer firefighters attending the department’s annual meeting received the cheque with enthusiastic applause.
Fox said the funds will enhance firefighter safety by meeting a variety of equipment needs, including protective clothing, breathing apparatus, hoses and hazardous materials spill response kits.
Porter praised the firefighters for their dedication and efforts, saying, “congratulations to all of you for all you do for the people of Windsor and West Hants.”
In a media release, Porter added, “our volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our rural communities in Hants West. They work to protect us and our properties. I am proud to be able to work with the Windsor Fire Department and deliver this significant contribution.”
A number of local municipal representatives were present for the cheque presentation, including West Hants Warden Richard Dauphinee and Windsor Deputy Mayor Andy Kirk. Both commended the department and expressed gratitude for the province’s cash infusion.
Dauphinee took the opportunity to send a message to the provincial government about broader infrastructure needs of municipalities’ fire services, calling for funding to replace aging stations. For rural residents, Dauphinee added, “the most important thing is their fire department.”
Announced in September, the Province’s Emergency Services Provider Fund promised $5 million for equipment and infrastructure needs. With an expansion announced in Berwick last month, a total of $8.5 million has been given to volunteer fire departments and emergency response organizations.
Departments in Hantsport, Brooklyn and Summerville have also received monies from the fund.
