News Release
For Immediate Release
October 27, 2016
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – Volunteer firefighters for the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay are being recognized through a new Volunteer Firefighters Appreciation Policy adopted by the Town Council.
“Our municipality is pleased to acknowledge the dedication of its volunteer firefighters through the establishment of this new policy,” said Mayor Jamie Snook. “Our firefighters provide quality safety and emergency services to not only our residents, but also to the Upper Lake Melville area and they are deserving of our recognition and appreciation.”
In 2015, the municipality’s Environmental and Emergency Preparedness (EEP) Committee identified the need for acknowledgement of the dedication and emergency services provided by its volunteer firefighters.
The new Volunteer Firefighters Appreciation Policy was developed in conjunction with the Fire Chief, volunteer firefighters, the EEP Committee and Town Council.
“The Volunteer Firefighters Appreciation Policy shows our extreme gratitude for their commitment, professionalism and the high quality of service they provide to the Upper Lake Melville area,” said Councillor Tony Chubbs, Chair of Environmental and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteer firefighters who have served for an average of 20 years with the Town’s Fire Department.”
The policy includes existing as well as two new benefits for volunteer firefighters:
New
• Annual $1,000 stipend;
• Additional annual $1,500 stipend for Deputy Fire Chiefs
Existing
• Christmas turkey;
• $2,000 towards an annual volunteer firefighters appreciation supper for volunteers and their spouse/guest;
• Snow clearing for their principle residence, within Town boundaries; and
• License plates to identify the owner as a volunteer firefighter.
The Town held a Volunteer Firefighters Appreciation Event on October 26th, in celebration of the new policy.
“Our firefighters are very appreciative of this new policy. They have dedicated many years with the Town and countless hours to providing fire and emergency services to Upper Lake Melville,” said Brad Butler, Fire Chief. “They are deserving of this recognition and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to protecting the community.”
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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