Investing in the safety of those who keep us safe always makes sense. From left: Deputy Chief Ian Courville, Fire Chief Brian McBain, Firefighter Brent Hagen, Mayor Mike Tarnowski and MPP Stéphane Sarrazin. Courtesy Photo
RUSSELL – Firefighters in the Township of Russell are receiving new equipment aimed at reducing health risks on the job, following a provincial investment of just over $36,000.
The Ontario government announced funding of $36,223.56 through its Fire Protection Grant, part of a broader effort to enhance firefighter safety and improve response to emerging hazards such as lithium-ion battery fires.
In Russell, the funding has been used to purchase a Solo Rescue® decontamination washer system, designed to remove harmful contaminants from firefighting gear. The equipment is expected to play a key role in cancer prevention efforts by limiting firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens encountered during emergency responses.
“Firefighters regularly face exposure to dangerous contaminants in the line of duty,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott Russell. “With this new decontamination washer system now in place, our local fire service is better equipped to reduce those risks and support the long-term health of its members. I’m proud to see this investment making a real difference for the Township of Russell and for the firefighters who serve and protect our community every day.”
The province says the funding is also intended to help fire departments adapt to newer risks, including incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which have become more common with the rise of electric devices and vehicles.
“Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, giving even more firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life-threatening emergencies.”
Local officials say the new equipment will have an immediate impact on firefighter safety.
“The Township of Russell Fire Services is grateful to receive this funding through the Ontario Fire Protection Grant from the Ontario government and the Solicitor General,” said Fire Chief Brian McBain. “These funds allowed us to purchase a Solo Rescue® Decontamination Washer, which will effectively clean contaminated firefighting personal protective equipment and help protect our firefighters from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals and carcinogens.”
The Fire Protection Grant program supports all 380 municipal fire services across Ontario, benefiting approximately 33,000 firefighters provincewide.
Terry Tinkess is a professional photographer, educator and journalist. He has been making a living with a camera and keyboard since 1999 and has been featured in such publications as The Ottawa Citizen, Cornwall Standard Freeholder, The Globe and Mail, The Miami Herald, Ottawa Construction News, The Ontario Construction Report, Ontario Home Builder Magazine, Reed Construction Data, Canadian Potato Business and most recently, The Record and Eastern Ontario AgriNews. Terry lives in Ingleside, Ontario with his wife Brenda, Mia the anxious Pittie and cats Wally and Chubbers.
