Ontario Investing to Protect Firefighters

Township of Russell Strengthens Firefighter Safety with Provincial Support

NEWS - April 7, 2026 

Russell — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is protecting firefighters in the Township of Russell by investing $36,223.56 through the Fire Protection Grant. The funding will help municipal fire departments across Ontario to expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery-related incidents.

This funding helped the Township of Russell Fire Services purchase a Solo Rescue® Decontamination Washer System, a critical piece of equipment that will enhance cancer prevention efforts, reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, and support the long-term health and safety of those who risk their lives every day to protect our community.

“Firefighters regularly face exposure to dangerous contaminants in the line of duty. With this new decontamination washer system now in place, our local fire service is better equipped to reduce those risks and support the long-term health of its members. I’m proud to see this investment making a real difference for the Township of Russell and for the firefighters who serve and protect our community every day,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott Russell 

“Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, giving even more firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life-threatening emergencies.”

“The Township of Russell Fire Services is grateful to receive this funding through the Ontario Fire Protection Grant from the Ontario government and the Solicitor General,” said Fire Chief Brian McBain. “These funds allowed us to purchase a Solo Rescue® Decontamination Washer, which will effectively clean contaminated firefighting personal protective equipment and help protect our firefighters from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals and carcinogens.” 

This year’s Fire Protection Grant will support all 380 municipal fire services in Ontario, helping the approximately 33,000 firefighters who protect Ontario and keep our communities safe.

In the photo from left to right: Deputy Chief Ian Courville, Fire Chief Brian McBain, Firefighter Brent Hagen, Mayor Mike Tarnowski and MPP Stéphane Sarrazin.

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Media Contacts

Noémie Prevost
Office of MPP Stéphane Sarrazin
Noemie.prevost@pc.ola.org

Kim Legault
Township of Russell
KimLegault@russell.ca