Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
KERWOOD - In a significant boost to local fire safety, Enbridge Gas has committed $5,000 to the Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department, enhancing training and education for its volunteer firefighters. This support forms part of the broader Safe Community Project Assist initiative in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council.
During a ceremony at the Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Hall on November 8, local officials and Enbridge representatives gathered to discuss the impact of this contribution. Dan Parker, Fire Chief for Adelaide Metcalfe, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “We are grateful to Enbridge for this opportunity. This $5,000 worth of training materials and pamphlets is essential for our mandatory certification for firefighters, keeping our firefighters trained to their full capacities,” said Parker.
Morgan Calvert, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the township, emphasized the importance of such funding and its vital role in supporting the volunteer fire department. “Any support we receive is crucial. It helps us sustain our volunteer firefighters, assist the township, and mitigate the financial strain caused by new training and certification requirements mandated by the province,” Calvert explained.
Since its inception in 2012, the Safe Community Project Assist has distributed 369 grants to various Ontario fire departments, fostering continual learning and improvement through access to critical training materials. This year’s collective investment of $125,000 will benefit 25 fire departments across the province.
Attendees at the event included Sue Clarke, Mayor of Adelaide Metcalfe; Morgan Calvert, CAO; Dan Parker, Fire Chief; and Ania Bialecki, London Supervisor Operations from Enbridge Gas, underscoring a community-wide commitment to enhancing public safety through better-equipped fire services.
