Town of Grimsby Recognizes Provincial Funding Supporting Firefighter Cancer Prevention Initiative

The Town of Grimsby is pleased to announce the receipt of $36,223.56 in funding from the Province of Ontario through the Fire Protection Grant program in support of the Town’s Firefighter Cancer Prevention Program.

This investment will directly support the purchase of additional firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE), helping to enhance firefighter health, safety, and long-term well-being.

The funding will be used to purchase critical structural firefighting protective equipment, including footwear, protective balaclava hoods, gloves, and full firefighting ensembles. Each complete PPE set costs approximately $5,200 per firefighter, enabling the Town to provide multiple additional sets of equipment to support improved rotation, cleaning, and decontamination practices.

Mayor Jordan and The Honourable Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, joined members of Grimsby Fire & Emergency Services and Members of Council to recognize the importance of this investment and its impact on frontline firefighter safety.

“Firefighter safety doesn’t end when the fire is out,” said Mayor Jordan. “This investment is about protecting the health and well-being of those who serve and protect our community, ensuring that they return home safely to their families after every call.”

Firefighters are regularly exposed to hazardous contaminants during emergency response. Providing additional PPE allows for proper cleaning and decontamination between uses, reducing exposure to harmful substances and aligning with best practices in firefighter cancer prevention.

Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Grimsby Sarah Kim emphasized the importance of the investment for firefighter health and safety. “This grant allows us to purchase several complete sets of structural firefighting PPE, ensuring more firefighters have immediate access to clean, properly maintained gear when they need it and without delay.”

The funding will support safer working conditions by ensuring firefighters have access to clean, properly maintained gear while strengthening the department's ongoing commitment to firefighter health, safety, and wellness. The Town of Grimsby extends its appreciation to the Province of Ontario and The Honourable Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General of Ontario, for their continued support of firefighter health and safety initiatives across the province.