LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - The Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department will be purchasing 10 new sets of bunker gear thanks to a grant from Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc.

The department applied for $10,000, the maximum amount it thought was available, through Enbridge's Safe Community Canada Program.

Mark Gerlock, left, the area supervisor for Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc., on behalf of Ann Marie Tout, the northern region manager, not seen, presents Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Chief Pat Rowe and Deputy Fire Chief Roger Pilling with a $13,000 grant to purchase bunker gear. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

However, the department receive a welcome surprise when Mark Gerlock, the Fort Simpson area supervisor, presented fire chief Pat Rowe with a cheque for $13,000 on Jan. 22 .

The grant will allow the fire department to buy 10 sets of bunker gear, which cost $1,350 per set. Each set includes a helmet, boots, gloves, pants and a coat. The department needs the new equipment, Rowe said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association of Canada, a set of bunker gear should only be used for 10 years; the department's newest sets, were purchased in 2001. Although it's not unusual for volunteer fire departments to exceed the 10-year recommendation the department is trying to update all of its equipment, bunker gear included, so it is compliant, Rowe said.

This is the second year of Enbridge's Safe Community Canada Program, which provides financial support to first response emergency organizations in rural communities along Enbridge's pipelines' right of ways. Funding can be used to purchase new safety related equipment, obtain professional training or deliver safety education programs.

Last year the Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department received $10,000 through the program to buy a defragmentation station that encloses self-contained breathing apparatus bottles to prevent injury in case they fail while being filled.

"We can't thank Enbridge enough for their support," Rowe said.

The department, which has 18 members, including three reservists, has already been encouraged to apply for a grant again next year.

In addition to fire departments, the program is open to police agencies, emergency medical services and other related health providers.

The Norman Wells Volunteer Fire Department also received funding this year.

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