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Grand Valley will host volunteer firefighters for annual FFAO convention

July 26, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

If there’s a fire in Grand Valley during the first week of August, you won’t have to look very hard for some help in dousing the flames.

The town will host the annual Fire Fighter’s Association on Ontario (FFAO) convention from Monday, July 30, to Monday, August 6.  The event will be hosted by the Grand Valley & District Fire Department and the Grand Valley Firefighter’s Association.

The convention will take place at the Grand Valley Rodeo ground with the area being turned into a campground for the duration of the convention.

Participating firefighters will undergo a full week of specialized fire and rescue training seminars and exercises in various locations around the municipality. Instructors from both Canada and the United States will be on hand to present fire fighting techniques and provide information.

While fire related training activities will be closed to the public, there will be other events where residents are welcome to attend.

There will be firefighter games and competition, an Antique Fire Truck Muster, and an Motorcycle Show and Shine. In addition, a Memorial Parade will honour fallen and former firefighters.

The annual convention brings together firefighters and community fire departments from across the province to provide training, as well as networking and friendly competition.

Firefighters’ families are welcome to attend and stay in the makeshift campground during the convention.

The Fire Fighter’s Association of Ontario was founded in 1899 in Toronto and continues to be a voice for legislation, training, and support for members and firefighters across the province.

The Grand Valley and District Fire Department was established in 1952, providing fire services for the communities of Amaranth, East Garafraxa, and Grand Valley.

Fire Chief Kevin McNeilly and his team have been coordinating efforts to host the convention and are anticipating a big and enthusiastic turn-out for this year’s event.

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