COBDEN — Firefighters in Whitewater Region received a $5,000 boost to their training budget courtesy of Enbridge Gas.
The $5,000 cheque was presented by Peter O’Gorman, Operational Supervisor with Enbridge Gas, to Fire Chief Wayne Heubner at last Wednesday’s council meeting. Also present were Deputy-Fire Chief Mike Moore and Fire Prevention Officer Captain Terry Moore.
“I’m proud to be here today at the town hall to make this announcement,” Mr. O’Gorman said, adding, “We have a long and proud tradition of supporting the communities we serve.”
Enbridge is donating $100,000 towards Project Assist — an educational initiative that helps fire departments, in the communities the company serves, to purchase educational materials to enhance life-saving firefighting techniques, he explained. Enbridge Gas is partnering with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council in this initiative.
Whitewater Fire Department is one of 20 fire departments in Ontario this year that will benefit from this educational initiative, he added. However, since the launch of Project Assist in 2012, 80 Ontario fire departments have received additional firefighter training.
“Firefighting is a dangerous and unpredictable profession,” said Ted Wieclawek, Ontario Fire Marshal, Chief of Emergency Management and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
Regular training is an important part of being prepared for any hazardous situation, he added.
“Enbridge’s Project Assist improves access to training materials for municipal fire departments and positively contributes to overall firefighter health and safety,” Mr. Wieclawek said.
Mayor Hal Johnson added, “The Township of Whitewater Region thanks Enbridge Gas Distribution and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety council for supporting our fire department. Our volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our community and deserve the recognition.”
There are 72 volunteer firefighters with Whitewater Region Volunteer Fire Department in five fire halls serving 7,000 residents.
