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Tyrrell said fire service is based on two elements: getting training and maintaining competency and certification in training. Their concern is firefighters who receive training won’t be able to be re-certified.

He used an example of a municipality surrounded by large bodies of water, where the risk of someone falling through the ice is extreme.

“We need to have our fire department trained in water rescue. That requires an annual renewal certification,” Tyrrell said.

“So either they won’t be able to get that initial training, or they may not be able to re-qualify, in which case, that rescue boat stays in the fire hall even when there’s a 911 call saying, ‘Help.’ That’s the consequence, that we’re not sure that municipal affairs, in the heat of the moment of having to come up with cuts to their spending, has thoroughly analyzed.”

The delivery of fire services is a municipal responsibility, meaning fire departments and their training budgets are funded by local governments, Timothy Gerwing, spokesman for Municipal Affairs said in a statement.

“Given this, we have dissolved a small training grant that was developed in better economic times. We value the tremendous work firefighters do and continue to work with municipalities across the province to ensure public safety is protected,” Gerwing said.

The AFCA was also informed Municipal Affairs cancelled the annual presentation of the Exemplary Service Medals Ceremony, where volunteer and career firefighters are honoured by officials from the Governments of Canada and Alberta for their service.

Tyrrell said they were told there was no money, but they could try to come up with the funds. However, the AFCA has not been able to find a sponsor.

“The government is not getting out of the medal program, they’re just getting out of the ceremony,” Tyrrell said. “So we have yet to hear how those medals will be put into the hands of the recipients.”

ajunker@postmedia.com

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