Next-generation equipment will bolster Lantzville Fire Rescue's future efforts to battle blazes.
In a press release, the Regional District of Nanaimo announced that the District of Lantzville's fire department will receive $63,000 from the provincial government's Next Generation 911 funding program. The money will be spent on mobile computer-aided dispatch units, related docking stations and cellular boosters for fire vehicles. The units are meant to match with each department’s operational needs.
"[The] rugged CAD units provide real-time incident information from dispatch centres, enhancing emergency response capabilities by delivering critical updates on property access, site safety and mapping," the press release noted. "This can include updates and information related to property access details, site safety concerns and patient status."
The RDN will distribute grant money and facilitate equipment distribution. Elected officials expressed gratitude to the B.C. government.
"This investment in Next Generation 911 technology will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of our fire services and provides firefighters with essential equipment to better respond to emergencies. We’re grateful to the government of British Columbia for recognizing the importance of modernizing emergency response infrastructure in our communities," stated Vanessa Craig, RDN board chairperson, in the press release.
Lantzville Mayor Mark Swain said emergency response is "extremely vital" to all Lantzville residents and said the district is pleased to enhance Lantzville Fire Rescue's operations.
"The partnership with the [RDN] further enhances the capability of our emergency services by ensuring regional coordination and communication in the event of an emergency and avoiding duplication of similar programs," he said.
In all, the B.C. government granted $163,000 of Next Generation 911 money to the RDN. Six other fire departments – Dashwood, Coombs-Hilliers, Errington, Nanoose, Extension and Cassidy-Waterloo – also received money.
