Training opportunities in the works for Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Harbour Grace council is supporting more training opportunities for volunteer firefighters in the town and again promoting the annual breakfast fundraiser on behalf of the Harbour Grace Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The Town has received a number of pieces of correspondence related to training opportunities for firefighters, including one from Fire Commissioner Robert Fowler who advised council of a free online Alternative Fuel Training program.
The Provincial Fire Services Division also advised council of the Fire and Emergency Services Training School taking place in Gander from May 24 to 30.
Councillor Brendan Chafe, council’s fire department liaison, recommended the items to Town Manager Amy Dwyer, who in turn passed them on to Fire Chief Dave Earle.
Chafe also provided council with his regular fire department liaison report. The brigade will be having its annual steak and eggs breakfast fundraiser on March 15. Tickets for the event cost $20, with proceeds going to the fire department. There were tickets remaining at the time of the council meeting, though it was believed they were selling quickly.
“I will say to the public that it is an amazing steak and eggs breakfast,” said Chafe. “It’s not a little steak. It’s a steak.”
He noted that, given the current cost of steak, the ticket price for both steak and eggs is pretty good and recommended that anyone interested to buy a ticket and give it a try.
“It’s a good fundraiser to support our brigade,” said Chafe, adding that tickets were being sold by brigade members.
Chafe also offered citizens a friendly reminder on behalf of Chief Earle. “If you’re looking for information about the brigade or upcoming events, call 596-5151,” Chafe said. “This is not the emergency line. If there’s an emergency, call 911. Please don’t call 911 for information on our brigade, because it seems like there might be a little bit of miscommunication there on what numbers to use.”
Chafe also asked those trying to reach the department to be patient. “Leave a message and somebody will get back to you,” he said.