The Huntsville Fire Department has received a $25,000 grant from the province to support mental health and leadership training for its firefighters and their families.
According to officials, the funding will support specialized training for first responders, focusing on resilience, stress management, leadership skills, and overall mental well-being. The department is one of 80 recipients across Ontario selected for the funding.
“The mental health and well-being of our firefighters and their families is a priority for our department,” said Gary Monahan, Fire Chief of the Huntsville Fire Department. “We are thankful to the province for giving us the ability to provide training that will have a lasting positive impact on our members and the people who support them.”
The grant application was submitted by local volunteer firefighter Geordie Sabbagh, who expressed his gratitude and said the funding is a critical investment in firefighters and their families.
“Firefighters face unique physical and emotional demands,” Sabbagh said. “This initiative will strengthen our department and the service we provide to our community.”
The program will be available to all department members, as well as their partners and families, acknowledging the key role support systems play in firefighter wellness.
