By Mark Squibb / August 18, 2023
The Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department has been denied funding for new equipment, but they aren’t too put out by the decision.
During July’s meeting, Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard explained that Fire Chief Jack Gatherall had requested funding for three new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs), but that government had denied the request.
Yard said the decision didn’t come as a surprise, as there are limited funds available for fire departments and as the department is doing well equipment-wise, it would not be high on the priority list.
The fire department itself, which boasts around 30 members, has been very active this summer.
As part of Witless Bay Days celebrations, the fire department hosted an Open House complete with dunk tank and bouncy castles that was well attended by the community. In addition to regular training, two members of the department earlier this summer participated in special fire training hosted by the Grand Falls Windsor and Gander fire departments.
