The City of Brampton will receive $230,230 from the Ontario government to strengthen firefighter safety and improve emergency response capabilities, city officials announced Monday.
The provincial funding comes through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant and will support new cancer prevention measures for firefighters in Brampton Fire and Emergency Services.
Brampton North MPP and Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor joined Mayor Patrick Brown and members of city council to highlight the investment, which will fund new equipment aimed at reducing exposure to harmful contaminants during fire response operations.
The funding will allow Brampton Fire and Emergency Services to purchase two self-contained breathing apparatus washer units and four bunker gear washers. The equipment will help firefighters properly clean protective gear after incidents, an important step in reducing exposure to cancer-causing toxins often found at fire scenes.
Firefighter cancer prevention has become a growing concern across Canada as research continues to link long-term exposure to smoke, chemicals, and contaminated gear with higher cancer risks among firefighters.
Talking to Parvasi Media, Mayor Brown said the investment will help protect those who protect the community.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our community. Investments like this help provide tools and equipment to increase decontamination of firefighter gear and work safely when responding to incidents. We thank the provincial government for this important investment in the safety of our firefighters and our community.”
Regional Councillor Rowena Santos, who also chairs the city’s Community Services Section, said the funding reflects recognition of the demanding conditions firefighters face while serving residents.
“Firefighters demonstrate their selflessness and tireless dedication to our community’s safety every day as they endure dangerous, high-stress situations. This funding is a proof point in the Province’s recognition of this, and we appreciate their commitment to helping the City expand access to safety equipment and resources for Brampton Fire and Emergency Services members’ health and wellbeing.”
Fire Chief Andy Glynn said the funding will strengthen the department’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and address evolving risks in emergency response.
“Protecting firefighter health and safety remains a top priority for Brampton Fire and Emergency Services. This funding will help expand important cancer prevention initiatives while strengthening our crews’ ability to respond to evolving emergency situations. We appreciate the Province’s support as we continue protecting both our firefighters and the residents we serve.”
Talking to Parvasi Media, McGregor said the funding will help create a safer work environment for firefighters across Brampton.
“The brave men and women at our local fire halls in Brampton across Ontario work selflessly while putting the safety of others before their own. These new additions will provide our firefighters a healthier working environment, ensuring our first responders receive the care and attention they need and truly deserve.”
Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant supports all 380 municipal fire services across the province. The program benefits about 33,000 firefighters through investments in cancer prevention initiatives, lithium-ion battery incident response equipment, and upgrades to fire service infrastructure.
