MLAs Paddon and Coulter say funding will support local volunteer fire departments in Chilliwack and Kent, keeping people safe
CHILLIWACK – New Democrat MLAs Kelli Paddon and Dan Coulter say that funding announced today will help local fire departments to protect more people and structures in the community.
“Volunteer and staff firefighters are dedicated and essential members of our communities, and I’m glad we can support them with funding for more training and up-to-date equipment.” said Kelli Paddon, MLA for Chilliwack-Kent. “It is so important to have a team of first responders close by in case of an emergency, and I want to thank firefighters in the area for keeping us safe.”
The following local fire departments are receiving funding:
- Chilliwack – Situational Awareness Training Building – $30,000
- Kent – Automatic Fire Detection Training and PPE Compliance – $30,000
- Seabird Island Band – Fire Fighting Equipment and Training – $30,000
- Fraser Valley Regional District – Electoral Area Fire Department 2023 Grant, for regions in Boston Bar/North Bend, Chilliwack River Valley, Columbia Valley, Hemlock Valley, North Fraser, Popkum, Yale – $210,000
“Local firefighters in Chilliwack are there when we need them, and our government is helping with the amazing work they do by providing funding for situational awareness training,” said Dan Coulter, MLA for Chilliwack. “Firefighters across the province do vital work to keep us safe.”
Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF), the provincial government is providing more than $6.2 million for 122 local projects, benefiting more than 200 volunteer and composite fire departments across B.C. Composite fire departments are those that have a mix of staff and volunteers.
Since 2017, more than $17 million has been provided to volunteer and composite fire departments through the CEPF for additional equipment and training.
Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/30129