News Release

For immediate release

Fire Department donates ambulance to Volunteer B.C. Fire Department

(Fort McMurray, AB March 12, 2012) Regional Emergency Services has donated a decommissioned ambulance to a volunteer fire department in British Columbia, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo announced today. Mayor Melissa Blake, the Municipalitys Acting Fire Chief Darby Allen, and Fire Chief Rob Burk of British Columbias Anarchist Mountain Fire Department were among those gathered today at Fire Hall #1 to exchange the vehicle. I am very pleased that Wood Buffalo will contribute to the public safety of another community through our surplus, said Mayor Melissa Blake. I commend the collaboration between these two fire departments in making this donation a reality. The community of Anarchist Mountain would like to thank Fort McMurrays Fire Department for their very generous donation, said Fire Chief Burk. This vehicle will be multi-purpose for us. We are a small department and without a donation like this we would not be able to provide vehicle extrication on our highway. This is an important service because we live in a winding, mountainous area and can experience a number of vehicle collisions. The vehicle will also be used by the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department to transport stretchers, ropes, and miscellaneous emergency equipment; offer traffic control at any motor vehicle collision sites; and act as a Command Centre for major incidents. Although the unit is no longer suitable for RES purposes the unit is ideal for the Anarchist Mountain Fire Department, said Acting Fire Chief Darby Allen. I would also like to acknowledge retired Emergency Services Dispatcher Arlyn Greig who, now living in British Columbia, initiated this donation. It is made all the more special because we all still miss her partner Battalion Chief Jim Banting, who passed away last year. Its very pleasing to know that a little part of RES will be keeping Arlyn company in her new location. Donating the surplus vehicle will come at no cost to the Fort McMurray Fire Department or the Municipality. Anarchist Mountain Fire Department will cover the delivery cost. The Anarchist Mountain Fire Department is a group of 30 firefighters serving the outskirts of the Osoyoos to the summit of Anarchist Mountain, including approximately 50 kilometers of highway and 400 homes, acreages and farms. -30Media inquiries may be directed to: Matthew Harrison Communication Department 780-788-4364