New Agreement for Collaboration on Fire-Related Activities

Sioux Lookout, ON – When resources are limited, we are stronger when we stand together. That is the heart of a new Memorandum of Understanding (“MoU”) between the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and the Independent First Nations Alliance (“IFNA”).

Sioux Lookout Fire Services has resources, including Technical Rescue Specialists, Disaster Responders, Trainers and Instructors, Search and Rescue Teams, and other professional and trained specialist teams with a focus on fire prevention and protection activities. IFNA offers its own set of complimentary resources, such as a dedicated, multifaceted emergency services and regional fire rescue division.

This MoU outlines how the two organizations can work collaboratively for the advancement and betterment of each, when it comes to fire-related activities and reduction of fire-related harm and deaths in our communities.

Fire Chief and Manager of Emergency Services for the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, Jeremy Funk, said, “We already have a great working relationship with IFNA’s Integrated Emergency Services team, and this agreement formalizes what we have already been doing informally.” He added, “In our smaller communities, it can be difficult to access the training, equipment, and technology that larger centers take for granted.”

Nicholas Rhone, Director of Integrated Emergency Services and Fire Chief for IFNA Regional Fire Rescue added, “By working together, through agreements such as this MoU, we make our respective teams stronger. It also brings additional opportunities for training and access to equipment to improve our response capabilities and better serve our communities.”

This agreement includes, but is not limited to, mutual aid, sharing knowledge, training, resources, materials, facilities, and response to certain calls for service. It is in effect through December 31, 2026, unless renewed.

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For more information, please contact:
MUNICIPALITY OF SIOUX LOOKOUT
Jeremy Funk, Fire Chief/Manager of Emergency Services
807-737-2564 ext. 7701 or [email protected]

INDEPENDENT FIRST NATIONS ALLIANCE
Gabrielle Tuomisto, Communications Manager
807-620-6005 or [email protected]

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