(July 11, 2020) The Schreiber Fire Department’s 25 volunteers operate in two stations located in Schreiber and Pays Plat First Nation. They cover 100 km of Trans-Canada highway, two provincial parks, ten provincial nature reserves, a national marine conservation area, and 53 km of hiking trails. But that’s not all. They also respond to rail accidents. They requested $1,785 for a new rescue saw.

I spoke to Chief Morrison to give him the good news and told him how much I missed riding on trains, which I used to do all over Ontario as a traveling musician. He said Schreiber is a big railway town and a lot of his volunteers work on the trains. He mentioned to me that he looked at some of the previous grant recipients and was impressed with the selections of so many small departments. I explained that I depend on the panel of professionals at the OAFC who review the applications to make the best recommendations

(Sept. 17, 2020) The saws have arrived! Chief Morrison sent in two rescue saw “glamour shots.”

(July 11, 2020) The Hanover Fire Department serves an area with rivers and lakes so water rescue is part of their responsibility and the current rescue suits they have are dated and they also leak. This poses issues for rescuers trying to perform life saving services in cold water situations. Their 24 volunteers give up countless hours to train so they can provide “a level of service the exceeds the expectations of the residents they serve.” They requested $6,568 to purchase six new suits.

I spoke to Chief Dentinger and he was so happy to know they would be getting the new rescue suits. He also told me it was great to be helping the small departments in Ontario who are mostly volunteer, and he noted that the volunteers give up so much of their own time to train just for the good of the community. I appreciate that as well and am happy to do my part.

(Sept. 25, 2020) The suits finally arrived! Chief Dentinger sent photos and said, “These suits will serve us well and the department is very excited to stay warm and dry this year during our training exercises and during emergencies.”

(July 11, 2020) Fire Chief Trevor Choffe wrote that they are in need of a rapid deployment craft, which is a key component of their ice water rescue service. He requested $6,000 to purchase this key piece of equipment to replace their current one, which is old and needs to be replaced. This will help the volunteer firefighters provide the best service to the community. Here is a photo of the team…

I spoke to Fire Chief Trevor Choffe and when I congratulated him on the grant he said, “Are you serious? This is so exciting!” In fact he got so excited that Siri started playing music! That was fun. ? He told me that Perth is a popular tourist and retirement destination so besides their emergency services, his department helps a lot of the seniors with things like smoke alarms. I extended my best to his volunteers and he said they would be very excited with the news. Here is the craft they will be ordering:(Sept. 3, 2020) It has finally arrived and we have photos the  boat in action!

(July 11, 2020) “During a heart attack medical emergency, CPR and defibrillation in the shortest amount of time increases the person’s chance of survival, said Chief James Oliver in his application. He explained the their current AEDs have been discontinued for ten years and parts are no longer available. He requested $9,600 to purchase three new AEDs.

I called Chief Oliver today and he was so nice to compliment me on the grants I’ve been doing for firefighters. He said, “It’s awesome what you’re doing to help us out,” but what I’m doing doesn’t compare to what his 30 volunteers are doing for their community. Mr. Oliver has been with the department for 15 years (he calls it a family affair) and has been chief for about 3 years. Congratulations to the team on this grant and thank you for all you do.

(Oct. 7, 2020) The new AEDs have arrived and Chief Oliver sent photos along with a great photo of the firefighting team. Thank you for what you do!

(July 11, 2020) If a medical emergency happens in Kakabeka Falls or the surrounding area, it can take an ambulance up to 45 minutes to transport the victim to the nearest medical facility, which is in Thunder Bay. Medical first response team members that live in the community can to respond sooner and administer first aid while the ambulance is on route. Fire Chief Henry Mattas requested $12,225 for new radio equipment for his  fire and first response members who have older models or no radios at all.

I called Chief Mattas and when I gave him the good news, he said, “That makes me so happy!” Well it made me happy too, to show my appreciation those who volunteer to help their neighbors. He told me there was an auxiliary meeting planned tomorrow night and he will share the news with everyone then. I asked him to thank them all for me too.

(Sept. 21, 2020) Here is a photo of the new radios and a lovely thank you note from Chief Mattas…

(July 11, 2020) This all volunteer department protects and serves 156 sq. km., dealing mostly with multi-vehicle collisions and brush fires. In order to be compliant with current requirements, they need to replace some of their turnout gear. They requested $15,548 to purchase jackets, pants, helmet, and boots.

I called Chief Cole and gave him the good news and he was very happy, although our conversation was short. He was driving and we got cut off but I called back and we chatted for a while. He said he has been following this website and happy to see other local guys receive their grants, but today I’m happy to say that the recipient was the Horton Fire Department. Congratulations again to Chief Cole!

(Sept. 1, 2020) Chief Cole sent photos of some of the new equipment…

left: Firefighter Kirby Morrison and Jim Gervais (SafeDesign) and right: Kirby and Muddy the Dog

left: Firefighter Chris Martin and right: Firefighter Crystal McGregor

Horton Treasurer Nathalie Moore and Chief Allan Cole

Niobe Lake Fire Chief, Ronald Eady, said the reason for his request if to better serve the community by improving the first responders’ response time in an emergency. He requested $23,900 to purchase a used 4×4 3/4 ton truck complete with an equipment cab.

Having this truck means the firefighters will not have to use their personal vehicles to respond to an emergency, which creates liability and contamination issues from firefighter gear, which may create possible exposure to cancer causing agents. This past summer, they had a multi-vehicle collision with one victim ejected and one trapped. They had to load their extrication equipment into the firefighter’s personal vehicle and lost valuable time.

I called Chief Eady to tell him his grant was selected. He said he didn’t expect to win so this was great news.  They are having their yearly meeting tomorrow – the perfect time to share the good news with everyone on the team!

This municipality’s Fire Department has a long tradition of volunteerism. With 48 active volunteers, two fire stations provide emergency services to the entire Township, which is intersected by two major highways. Highway 401 running east-west between Toronto and Montreal and 416 going north-south to Ottawa.

In a trauma situation, time is crucial. This department’s average response time is 35 minutes, already 40 minutes past the 911 call. Without proper equipment, bracing a vehicle can cost valuable time that might mean the difference between life and death. That’s why Chief Jeremy Jones requested $4,190 to purchase a rescue strut kit and winch. “This equipment will provide much needed bracing to overturned vehicles, transports, and collapsed walls of buildings,” said Chief Jones. “This strut system is ideally suited for quick set up and high sustained load capacity, which would allow us to perform a heavy rescue under a much safer situation for us and the patient.”

I called Chief Jones today to give him the good news and it turns out he used to watch my show when he was in high school. He said he has wanted this equipment for 7 or 8 years and I was especially glad to know it will be shared with two other departments, Wawa and Goulais.

The Montague Township Fire Department serves a population of 3,760 in Montague and several neighbouring communities. Chief Miles Greer requested $3,928 to purchase a Galaxy GX2 Automated Test System used to test and calibrate gas detection equipment. This is important because it helps protect the first responders from hazardous oxygen deficient situations such as carbon monoxide.

This vital equipment has to be tested regularly and right now, Chief Greer has to drive over 30 km each way at least once a week to have it tested, taking the department’s only full time member and truck away and not available in case of emergency.

I called Chief Greer with the good news. He said what I am doing really helps the small departments in a big way and I was happy to hear that.