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GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
2009 is in the books and we say hello to not only a new year but a
new decade. 2010 should bring a new look at the way the fire service does
business in Saskatchewan starting with a new communication radio system as we
bid farewell to Fleet net. We also look forward to a new
Fire Prevention Act,
which will be called the
Fire Safety Act. We are
anticipating with any luck, the Act will be accepted in the spring sitting of
the legislature.
Our next journey is to Nipawin in the spring of 2010 so watch for
exact dates and training course to be offered in a future newsletter as well as
our web site
www.svffa.ca
We have been getting many requests for regional training and this
is great news to see the amalgamation of fire departments taking advantage of
affordable training. This also helps in getting to know your neighbour and
learning how to work together to enhance the fire service within your region.
This is a friendly reminder to check out the available scholarships
for your junior firefighters. We
We also offer the Jack Croteau Memorial Scholarship that is worth
$500.00 to the lucky recipient. Check out our
web site
www.svffa.ca
or call Ken Dobra at 697-2627 for the required criteria
to applying for this scholarship and don’t miss out.
Now for an important issue that I hope all fire departments check
into with your municipalities. Ensure that municipalities carry adequate
insurance for their volunteer fire fighters in the event of on the job injury.
Ensure that it will sustain you during the period that you are unable to work.
It has been brought to our attention that many fire fighters may not have
insurance coverage or inadequate coverage in the event that they get injured
while fighting a fire. Self employed fire fighters or those that are farmers
likely are not eligible for Workers Compensation as they may not pay premiums
for coverage. The municipal insurance in many cases is minimal and the minimum
coverage only pays $50.00 per week for the 1st
4 weeks that you are off and $25.00 per week for every week after
the 4 weeks. This coverage is not enough in the event that you will be off for
extended periods of time. Most municipalities do have insurance coverage for
their volunteer fire fighters but many do not know what the coverage covers or
the amount of the payout. I hope that you check it out before it is too late.
I hope you all have a great winter, check your smoke alarms,
continue training and we will see you at Nipawin.
Dale Wagner
President,
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Send mail to
svffa@sasktel.net with
questions or comments about this web site.
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