Pelham’s next generation of firefighters will get some help with their training thanks to Enbridge Gas. The utility, through a $5,000 grant from its Safe Community Project Assist program, helped the Pelham Fire Department purchase training materials for incoming recruits for the department as well as materials for ongoing training for current members.
“Those two books, Firefighter 1 and Firefighter 2, (recruits) require those for their certification as well as the hazardous materials,” said Greg Young, training officer for the department, pointing at a stack of materials laid out on a table at Station 1 in Fonthill.
“So, we're off to the off to the races with our next recruit class.”
In addition to the physical materials, digital versions have been installed on the department’s tablets
“When they're doing stuff, they can carry (it) around, instead of having to carry the book around,” Young said.
In all, Enbridge has made donations of $125,000 that will be shared by 25 fire departments across Ontario to purchase educational materials to assist in training firefighters in life-saving techniques.
“We are committed to providing emergency response training support to Ontario firefighters so they can continually learn, improve, and protect the vibrant and healthy communities they call home,” said Julie Alexander, the utility’s senior advisor, municipal and stakeholder affairs and community engagement.
Since launching the program in 2012, Enbridge has provided 369 grants to Ontario fire departments for additional firefighter training.
“Fire departments train every single day and that’s why it’s important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe,” said John McBeth, Acting Ontario Fire Marshal, and Acting Chair of the FMPFSC.
Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford some of these training tools and improves the ongoing learning that occurs across Ontario,” says John McBeth, acting Ontario fire marshal, and acting chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
Pelham Fire Chief Bob Lymburner said the department was grateful for the assistance to purchase the training materials.
“Providing first responders with the right training is crucial for them to successfully and safely do their jobs.”
