Grande Prairie Fire Department gets $51,000 boost from Firehouse Subs’ organization

The Grande Prairie Fire Department (GPFD) received a $51,997 boost from a local business and its national safety organization to purchase much-needed safety equipment.

Article content

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada , along with local Firehouse Subs representatives, presented the cheque on Sept. 16 outside the local business.

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

The donation allows GPFD to purchase nine sets of bunker gear, including flame-fighter coats and pants. Bunker gear is essential to firefighter safety, providing critical protection against the extreme conditions encountered during firefighting operations. This specialized gear is designed to shield firefighters from heat, flames, and hazardous materials. By ensuring comprehensive coverage and durability, bunker gear significantly reduces the risk of burns, injuries, and exposure to toxic substances, enabling firefighters to perform their duties effectively and safely.

Article content

Article content

In Canada and Alberta, bunker gear has a maximum service life of 10 years. Despite its condition the equipment is in, it’s pulled from service at 10 years to comply with a National Fire Protection Association standard. The organization is American; however, NFPA is recognized throughout North America as the standard by which they choose equipment and develop preventive maintenance schedules. The standard also addresses frequency of use to ensure gear with more consistent use is pulled from service when its manufacturer’s specifications and applicable standards are exceeded. As such, fire departments see a turnover in gear and equipment as it’s used and ages.

“The Grande Prairie Fire Department is thankful for this significant donation by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada towards safety gear for our firefighters. This funding will go a long way in supporting our department, in turn helping us support the community,” said Mark VanWerkhoven, GPFD fire chief.

Article content

GPFD responds to thousands of calls annually. During the July 8 Public and Protective Services meeting, Vanwerkhoven provided data from the 2023 to 2024 period showing call volumes were nearing 3,000.

Grande Prairie’s mayor, Jackie Clayton, expressed gratitude on behalf of the city and GPFD.

“This grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada reflects the generous and innovative spirit of Grande Prairie and how we are stronger together. The City is thankful for this significant contribution towards community safety.”

The Grande Prairie Fire Department and City of Grande Prairie extend gratitude to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada® for their generous support towards community safety.

Article content

“In 2005, the Firehouse Subs® Founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® in the U.S. with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities for first responders and public safety organizations. Now, 10 years later, with the opening of the first Canadian Firehouse Subs restaurant in 2015, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada® was born. Today, the Canadian foundation continues the mission of impacting the lifesaving capabilities of local heroes and their communities and has awarded more than $5 million throughout Canada.”

Article content