The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port, today announced more than $575,000 under the Fire Vehicles and Equipment Grant Fund to further the Provincial Government’s platform commitment to creating safer communities for all of us.
The Premier was joined by Stephenville Mayor Bob Byrnes, Fire Chief Don Gibbon and members of the fire department, as well as representatives of the Port au Port Regional Volunteer Fire Department, the Cape St. George Fire Department, the Kippens Volunteer Fire Department and Lourdes Volunteer Fire Department and representatives of those communities.
The announcement included nearly $540,000 for a pumper truck for the Stephenville Fire Department, more than $11,000 for fire equipment for the Cape St. George Fire Department, over $9,000 for equipment for the Port au Port Regional Volunteer Fire Department; and, $15,000 for Stephenville, Kippens and Lourdes to purchase 15 sets of wildland coveralls each.
In total, Budget 2026: Opportunity for All of Us provided more than $7 million to strengthen volunteer fire departments and emergency response across the province with funding for essential equipment, training, and operational supports. This included
These investments will enhance emergency response capacity and help ensure residents in these regions receive reliable fire protection services when they are needed most.
Quotes
“We are committed to ensuring help is ready for the people of our province when it is needed most. By investing in fire protection vehicles and equipment, we are strengthening emergency response capabilities, supporting our firefighters, and helping to build safer communities for all of us.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Stephenville-Port au Port
“Volunteer firefighters are at the heart of emergency response in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. They give their time, undertake extensive training, and answer the call whenever their neighbours need them. Our government is proud to support that service by investing in the vehicles and equipment firefighters need to do their jobs safely and effectively. These investments will strengthen fire protection on the Port au Port Peninsula and help ensure our communities are better prepared when emergencies happen.”
Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands
“This investment is great news for Stephenville and for the dedicated firefighters who serve our community. A new pumper truck will strengthen our ability to respond when residents need help most and provide our fire department with an important tool to protect lives and property. On behalf of the Town of Stephenville, I thank Premier Wakeham and the Provincial Government for this significant investment in the safety of our residents and our community.”
Mayor Bob Byrnes
Town of Stephenville
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Learn more
Minister Forsey Announces Support for Fire Protection Vehicle and Equipment – August 21, 2026
Minister Forsey Announces Support for Fire Protection Vehicles and Fire Equipment – July 22, 2026