News Release
For Immediate Release
October 11, 2016
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay joined 5 Wing Goose Bay today for a proclamation signing to promote Fire Prevention Week 2016, October 9-15th, in the community.
The Town’s volunteer firefighters and the 5 Wing Goose Bay Fire Department are raising awareness on the importance of fire safety in the community with this year’s theme, Don’t wait – Check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
The Town’s new full time Fire Chief, Brad Butler, is taking a hands-on approach to increase fire and emergency services to residents in the Upper Lake Melville area.
“Every year our fire departments collaborate on the promotion of fire prevention week,” said Brad Butler, Fire Chief. “Fire safety and prevention is our priority and we work with 5 Wing to get that message out to the community. Additionally, I attended 5 Wing’s live emergency response exercise last week as an observer in their Emergency Operations Centre.”
The Town and 5 Wing kicked off the week with open house events for their respective Fire Halls on Sunday, October 9th. The Town’s open house included a Jaws of Life demonstration for visitors.
The Town is inviting the public to visit its Fire Hall throughout the week for tours and free ice cream. Volunteer firefighters will be conducting safety and fire alarm drills in local schools throughout the week. 5 Wing fire prevention events include school activities and home inspections.
As part of a collaboration to strengthen fire and emergency services in the region, the Town is involved in the recent revival of the Central Labrador Emergency Planning Committee, which was established to handle any potential mass disasters in the region.
“We acknowledge the collaboration with 5 Wing Goose Bay in ensuring the safety of our residents,” said Councillor Tony Chubbs, Chair of the Environmental and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “Our commitment to the community is also reflected in the appointment of the new full time Fire Chief, the revision of the Town’s Emergency Response Plan and the resources provided in support of the Fire Department.”
The Central Labrador Emergency Planning Committee is led by Fire and Emergency Services NL and comprised of the following regional stakeholders: The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 5 Wing Goose Bay, RCMP, Department of Natural Resources, Labrador-Grenfell Health, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation, Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, Nalcor Energy, and the Canadian Red Cross. It is anticipated that the communities of North West River and Mud Lake will join the committee as well.
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Media Contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
o) 709-896-3254 ; c) 709-896-1609 ; publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com