Ontario Investing in Firefighter Safety in LaSalle

LaSalle, ON — Anthony Leardi, MPP for LaSalle, announced today that the Town of LaSalle is receiving $36,223.56 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.”

“This Fire Protection Grant provides the critical equipment and protection our firefighters need to respond safely and effectively. We thank MPP Leardi and the Province of Ontario for this investment in the protection of our residents and our community,” says LaSalle Mayor Crystal Meloche.

“This funding will allow us to enhance and equip our firefighters with essential bunker gear and flash hoods, ensuring they have the protection they need to safely serve our community. These investments strengthen LaSalle Fire Service as a whole and help us to continue delivering the highest level of fire protection. We are grateful to MPP Leardi and the Province of Ontario for their support,” says Ed Thiessen, Director of Fire Service/LaSalle Fire Chief.

The funding will support LaSalle Fire Service through the purchase of six spare sets of bunker gear and 55 particulate-blocking hoods, ensuring that each suppression firefighter has access to a second hood. This investment will help reduce exposure to cancer-causing contaminants and allow firefighters to continue operations safely while their primary gear is being properly cleaned and decontaminated.

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.