Hamilton Fire Department Donation Strengthens Fire Protection in Lac Seul First Nation

Left to right: Lac Seul First Nation firefighter Terrance Angeconeb, NIFSC Senior Director Blaine Wiggins, IFNA Director of Integrated Emergency Services Nick Rhone, IFNA Acting Fire Chief Monique Belair, IFNA CEO Vernon Morris, Mayor Andrea Horwath, NIFSC Interim CEO Arnold Lazare, Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe, Hamilton Fire Deputy Chief Dan Milovanovic, Hamilton Fire Deputy Chief Trevor Haalstra, Hamilton Fire Executive Officer Debbie Spence and Hamilton Fire Service Senior Project Manager Amanda Ciardullo. Supplied photo by FlamboroughToday

THUNDER BAY, ON – July 10, 2026 – The Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA) is pleased to announce that the Lac Seul First Nation Fire Department is receiving a surplus fire truck from the Hamilton Fire Department, strengthening the community’s emergency response capacity and supporting the continued growth of the community's fire services.

The donation was formally recognized during a ceremony in Hamilton on July 3, attended by representatives from the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Fire Department, the Independent First Nations Alliance, and the Lac Seul First Nation Fire Department. IFNA was represented by Chief Executive Officer Vernon Morris, Director of Integrated Emergency Services Nicholas Rhone, Acting Fire Chief Monique Belair, and Lac Seul firefighter Terrance Angeconeb.

The addition of the fire truck will enhance Lac Seul First Nation's emergency response capacity and support the firefighters who work to protect the community. Reliable firefighting apparatus is essential to responding safely and effectively to emergencies while helping ensure firefighters have the equipment they need to serve residents.

"This donation is a great example of what can happen when communities come together to support one another," said Vernon Morris, Chief Executive Officer of the Independent First Nations Alliance. "We're thankful to the Hamilton Fire Department, the City of Hamilton, and mayor Andrea Horwath for helping strengthen emergency services in Lac Seul First Nation."

IFNA Regional Fire Rescue continues to work alongside member Nations to strengthen local fire services through training, emergency planning, equipment support, fire prevention initiatives, and capacity building. Partnerships such as this help ensure communities have access to the resources needed to provide safe and effective emergency response.

"Every community deserves access to the equipment needed to respond safely and effectively when emergencies occur," said Nicholas Rhone, Director of Integrated Emergency Services and Volunteer Deputy Fire Chief for the Lac Seul First Nation Fire Department. "This donation strengthens the Lac Seul First Nation Fire Department and helps ensure firefighters have the resources they need to protect lives, property, and the community they serve."

Nicholas adds "while we look forward to the day communities do not need to rely on donations, it is a notable addition and a step in the right direction."

IFNA extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Fire Department for their generosity and commitment to supporting fire protection in Lac Seul First Nation.