THUNDER BAY — Ontario’s government is keeping the people of Thunder Bay safe by investing $450,000 for specialized Urban Search and Rescue and Hazardous Materials teams.
Thunder Bay is one of six Ontario communities receiving the funding.
These emergency response teams are comprised of specialized police, firefighters and paramedics and provide support in situations where additional or more technical resources are required.
“When disaster strikes, families need to have confidence that help is on the way,” said MPP Christine Hogarth, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General. “That’s why we’re providing Thunder Bay with funding to respond quickly and effectively to large-scale and complex emergencies.”
USAR teams locate and extricate victims trapped in collapsed structures, provide immediate medical treatment to survivors, and conduct other life-saving operations. HazMat Teams respond to large-scale or complex natural or human-caused chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive/hazardous material incidents.
“Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is proud to provide a highly skilled and professional response when called upon in times of emergency. The funding from the Ontario government will help support our Urban Search and Rescue, and Hazardous Materials teams with the resources needed to deal with a wide variety of rescue situations and hazards. When a disaster happens, we’re ready to respond. We look forward to continue being a necessary component of the province’s emergency response program for years to come” said John Hay, Fire Chief.
“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to protect us,” said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. “That’s why we are committed to providing these brave men and women with the tools they need to keep our communities and our families safe.”
QUICK FACTS
- This funding is part of Ontario’s $2.5 million investmentto support 10 specialized teams in North Bay, Ottawa, Peterborough, Thunder Bay, Toronto and
- Of the $450,000 going to Thunder Bay, $300,000 will be allocated to the USAR team and $150,000 to the HazMat team.
- These emergency response teams are operated by their municipalities and support provincial efforts through an agreement with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management.
- These investments support initiatives that respond to recommendations made by the Elliot Lake
