Union Gas helps Tillsonburg Fire & Rescue with $5,000 grant

'Project Assist' donation will help department upgrade crucial training

TILLSONBURG, ON, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Union Gas utility service manager for Simcoe, Guy Howell was at the Tillsonburg volunteer fire department today as part of a partnership campaign between the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council and Union Gas that will assist the department by providing a $5,000 credit to purchase training materials.

The department was one of seven chosen via a random draw of all applications Union Gas received during a call out for interested departments in the company's service area.  Other recipients include the Township of Wellington North, Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, Thames Centre, Dryden, Kapuskasing, and Zorra.

"Volunteer firefighters are integral to the safety of residents and business operations in Ontario," said Howell. "We believe strongly that this partnership will have long-lasting benefits and will help make an Ontario a safer place. Safety is always top of mind at Union Gas, whether it's pipeline safety or ensuring we all do the proper things while driving. We live and breathe safety every day."

Union Gas recognizes that volunteer firefighters play an important role in keeping Ontario safe. There are 11,035 full-time firefighters in the province, but there are 19,214 volunteer firefighters. Data for 2011 showed that there were 11,501 outdoor, structure or vehicle fires with losses in Ontario. So the need for well-trained fire services members is evident.

"Having access to up-to-date training materials is crucial to firefighter health and safety," said Ted Wieclawek, Fire Marshal of Ontario, Chief of Emergency Management and Chair of the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council. "Thanks to Union Gas, Project Assist can continue to help fire service personnel get the training materials they need to handle dangerous and unpredictable situations."

Union Gas has a strong and vibrant safety culture and believes strongly in the health of the communities it serves, so reaching out to support such a valuable training program makes sense to the company.

"We are very grateful to be amongst the fire services that will benefit from Project Assist. The grant we received today will enhance our training and support our delivery of efficient emergency services to the Town," said Tillsonburg Fire Chief Jeff Smith.

There are 183 volunteer/composite fire departments in Ontario whose communities are serviced by Union Gas.

About the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council
The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council is a registered charity established in 1993 with a mission to help create "a world where no one is hurt by fire". The Council, chaired by the Ontario Fire Marshal and supported by the Office of the Fire Marshal, operates at arm's length from the government and promotes fire prevention and public education through sponsorships and partnerships with various groups and individuals with an interest in public safety.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers, assets of over $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across Ontario. Union Gas is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2011, 2012 and 2013. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

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SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:
Union Gas Limited 
Andrea Stass, Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council
Carol Gravelle, Public Relations Officer/Messenger Online Editor
Office of the Fire Marshal
Phone:  [phone]
[email protected]

Tillsonburg Fire & Rescue Services
Deputy Chief Terry Saelens
Tel: [phone], ext. 5221
Email: [email protected]