Amherstburg Fire Department gets $5k grant from Enbridge

The Amherstburg Fire Department received $5,000 from Enbridge Gas for training materials. From left: Deputy Chief Ron Meloche, Mayor Michael Prue, Megan Shannon from Enbridge, Chief Michael Mio and Deputy Chief Dan Monk.

The Amherstburg Fire Department has received a financial boost to assist training for new and veteran firefighters.

The fire department received a grant for $5,000 from Enbridge Gas through the company’s Safe Community Project Assist program, one that is run with the Fire Marshal’s Public Safety Fire Council (FMPFSC). The money has been used to purchase new and updated books and manuals for new firefighters and to keep existing firefighters and senior staff up to speed.

The $5,000 given to Amherstburg is part of a $125,000 investment from Enbridge Gas that is shared with 25 Ontario fire departments, in communities where Enbridge operates.

“At Enbridge Gas, safety is more than a priority – it is one of our core values that guides everything we do,” said Megan Shannon, advisor of municipal and stakeholder engagement with Enbridge. “This initiative helps departments purchase essential training materials that enhance life-saving firefighting techniques. Since its launch in 2012, 294 grants have been awarded, each one a reflection of our commitment to supporting first responders and strengthening community safety.”

The Safe Community Project Assist program is one of two programs run through Enbridge, the other being Project Zero, which helps distribute carbon monoxide detectors. Amherstburg received funding under Project Assist while Windsor, LaSalle and Kingsville fire departments received Project Zero assistance.

Amherstburg fire chief Michael Mio said the $5,000 grant is a big help to the department.

“For smaller departments like ours, a grant like this helps us tremendously,” he said. 

There are roughly 14 different books the fire department is now able to buy in bulk to assist in training the firefighters.

“Without the assistance of partner organizations like Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Safety Council, it would be difficult for our small department to keep up with emerging trends and maintain the level of training, equipment, and public education our community deserves. Their ongoing support allows us to adapt, modernize, and continue delivering safe, effective services with the latest information to the residents of Amherstburg,” added Mio.

Deputy fire chief Dan Monk added the books and manuals help educate incoming firefighters but also staff with the department. Manuals and regulations change constantly, so the new books ensure everyone stays on top of all the developments.

Monk said the Amherstburg Fire Department is recruiting 12 new members and the funding helps get them closer to certification.

“This goes a long way in getting that completed,” he added. 

“Fire departments across Ontario train every single day and that is why it is important for them to have access to the right materials to keep their members and the public safe.  Safe Community Project Assist helps departments afford these essential training tools and supports the ongoing learning that keeps the fire service safe,” says Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal, and Chair of the FMPFSC.

Amherstburg Fire Department gets $5k grant from Enbridge

By Ron Giofu