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Released: February 19, 2013 Originator: Larry Brassard, Director of Fire and Emergency Services / Fire Chief Fire Department Recognizes Local Support GRAVENHURST, ON, February 19, 2013/ - The Town of Gravenhurst and the fire department is reaching out to local employers to say ‘thank-you’ for their on-going support of local firefighters. Fire Chief Larry Brassard and Mayor Paisley Donaldson visited Brackley Boats on Progress Court today to present the first of several “Employer Awards” that are being presented to business owners who allow one or more of their employees who are part-time firefighters to leave their workplace to respond to emergencies. “Without the ongoing support of our employers who permit firefighters to respond to emergencies in our community, our first responders would not be able to provide this critical service to our ratepayers. All members of Council recognize this important contribution to the safety of our community and we want to recognize the importance of their role,” said Mayor Donaldson. “When a community relies on part-time or volunteer firefighters, being able to muster sufficient numbers during the traditional workday is essential to making sure we can deliver top quality fire protection,” added the chief. “Employers who allow their employees to leave work to attend a fire are the backbone of our community and demonstrate that they are as committed to Gravenhurst as our firefighters are. We simply want to say ‘thank-you’ for supporting us, he added. The fire chief will be visiting the following employers in the coming weeks to make similar presentations: Home Hardware, the Home Building Centre, Superior Propane, Town and Country Fine Foods, Hammond Transport, the Corrections Canada facilities (Beaver Creek and Fenbrook), Canadian Tire, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Chippewa’s of Rama First Nation. The Town of Gravenhurst also employs two staff in other departments who are also part-time firefighters and may attend emergencies during work hours. For further information, contact: Larry Brassard, Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief, at 705-687-3414.  |
