New gear for more than 300 volunteer firefighters will improve safety, Furey says

Premier Andrew Fureysaid Friday a $3-million equipment purchase will help bring volunteer fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador up to date.

The money will be put toward purchasing more than 300 new self-contained breathing apparatus units, Furey announced at an event at the Holyrood volunteer fire department.

The new units will replace old ones that are set to be discontinued. More than50 departments in the province now employ them.

"The truth is that volunteer fire departments and professional fire departments are the heart and souls of our communities," said Furey.

"They volunteer often to put themselves in harm's way. But these are also the volunteers that keep the communities going and for these volunteers to effectively do their job, they need the necessary equipment."

Self-contained breathing apparatuses are one of the most essential pieces in a firefighter's toolkit. They are respirators worn to protect against smoke inhalation, as well as dust or any other materials firefighters may encounter on a scene.

Fifty-five fire departments will receive the new units.

Duane Antle, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Fire Services and the fire chief of Come By Chance,says safety ishis highest priority.

"Whether you're a volunteer fire chief or a paid fire chief, there's a lot of things that keep you up at night," Antle said. "The one thing that really stands out as really plays a significant burden on us is how we ensure we keep our people safe."

Antle also extended his gratitude for support for other fire equipment, and programming such as mental health training and the Learn Not To Burn public education campaign.

He said the announcement isn't really about equipment, but safety.

"It's about getting these young people home, getting them back to their families when they're ready to go out and serve us. We have to be there for them," he said.

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