Ontario Investing in Firefighter Safety in Amherstburg

Media Release from the Office of Member of Provincial Parliament Anthony Leardi

Amherstburg, ON — Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex, announced today that the Town of Amherstburg is receiving $52,821.07 through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant, supporting ongoing efforts to protect firefighters and modernize local fire services.

“Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families, our homes, and our communities,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for Essex. “These investments help ensure local fire services have the equipment they need to stay safe and respond effectively.”

“We are grateful to receive this Fire Protection Grant, which allows us to enhance the health and safety of our firefighters. This funding supports critical initiatives, including additional bunker gear for our new full-time staff, improved cleaning equipment, and infrastructure upgrades to reduce contamination risks. These investments strengthen our ability to protect both our firefighters and the community they serve” said Town of Amherstburg Mayor, Michael Prue.

“The Fire Protection and Prevention Grant from the Ontario Government will continue to support our municipality and departments efforts to reduce cancers and protect our firefighters while they protect Ontarian’s. The grant will be used to purchase firefighting gear and particulate blocking hoods, washer-extractors to launder contaminated bunker gear, maintain and improve showers to further reduce exposures to cancer causing agents. These improvements will also protect the families of our firefighters by preventing these contaminants from coming home” said Amherstburg Fire Chief, Michael Mio.

The funding will be used by Amherstburg Fire Services for the purchase of five sets of bunker gear, along with five helmets, five pairs of boots, ten pairs of gloves, and protective hoods, supporting frontline firefighter safety. The project also includes the purchase of a new gear washer extractor for proper cleaning and decontamination of personal protective equipment, as well as renovations to the fire station to improve decontamination shower facilities, helping reduce occupational exposure to harmful contaminants.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of the Solicitor General doubled the Fire Protection Grant, increasing the program from $10 million in its first year to $20 million in year two. The expanded funding helps municipal fire services across Ontario invest in cancer prevention initiatives, equipment to address lithium-ion battery fires, and infrastructure upgrades and modernization. The Fire Protection Grant reflects the province’s continued commitment to ensuring firefighters have access to the tools, equipment, and infrastructure they need to stay safe while protecting their communities.

Press Contact:

Armand Anderson – Chief of Staff
519 736 1550
Armand.anderson@pc.ola.org