In a news conference this morning, Ontario Fire Marshal Pat Burke and President Vasco Garcia of the Humanitarian Association of Voluntary Firefighters of Ponta Delgada (PDFD), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to improve public safety in their respective jurisdictions.
In particular, the MOU will enhance the exchange of information between the two parties through personnel exchanges and help in the development of collaborative training and education opportunities.
In the past, the OFM has worked with delegates from China, South Korea, Japan and Israel to share expertise and enhance community safety in their respective countries.
QUOTES
“In the spirit of international cooperation, this MOU will help to break down barriers and form a successful partnership for the future,” said Burke. ”The OFM is excited about this partnership and its added public safety benefits for the people of Ontario.”
“Improving the fire department’s firefighting capabilities, is of the utmost importance,” said Garcia of the PDFD. “This MOU will help us to enhance our capabilities through a continuous education program and exchange of information on the latest firefighting techniques and equipment available.”
QUICK FACTS
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The Azores Regional Government has undertaken the development of a new
marine port to accommodate modern cruise ships. In addition to an
existing international airport, Toronto’s harbourfront commercial
waterway and Pearson International Airport are of significant interest
as they pose similar challenges to firefighting capabilities.
- During their short stay in Ontario, the delegation from the Azores Island of Sao Miguel, including Fire Chief Joao Ferreira Melo and Roberto Manuel Cabral Amorim - Ponta Delgada Airport Security and Firefighter Officer, will be visiting Toronto Fire Service’s HUSAR (Heavy Urban Search and Rescue) and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosion) teams, the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI) at Pearson International Airport and the Ontario Fire College.
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Carol Gravelle, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3138
Bev Gilbert,
Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-3178
