With firefighters in the district continuing to play a vital role in the year-round safety of residents and visitors alike, new provincial funding aimed at supporting fire services training and research is money well spent.
The provincial government is proving grants totalling $700,000 to municipalities and the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFAC), including $500,000 for the fire services training program.
“Public safety is always a priority, and our government recognized that strong partnerships are key to keeping Albertans safe,” said Ric McIver, minister of Municipal Affairs. “We remain committed to ensuring Alberta municipalities have access to excellent firefighting resources and information.”
In all, $200,000 will be provided to the AFAC to research and develop recommendations for how to strengthen provincial fire data reporting.
“Improving the quality of fire data reporting will put municipal leaders in a better position to make well-informed decisions about local fire services and protection strategies for their communities,” he said.
Fire hazards, risks and responses change regularly and it is absolutely critical that local firefighters have all the information they need to be able to respond quickly, safely and efficiently, he said.
“Research is needed to help local firefighting experts identify the specific data they need, the best ways to collect it and how municipalities can use it to mitigate risks,” said AFAC president Randy Schroeder.
As anyone can attest who has been in an unfortunate situation where firefighters have been called for help, these emergency responders are quite literally lifesavers and among the community’s most important and dedicated public servants.
As such, taxpayer money spent helping and supporting firefighters is always a worthwhile public investment.
While some of the Smith government’s recent legislative efforts have been widely criticized – including the introduction and passing of the controversial Bill 20 – it is encouraging to see that cooperation in the vital area of firefighting is continuing unabated.
And of course local firefighters and their emergency medical services and police partners continue to deserve the heartfelt thanks and commendation of the community-at-large.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
