The Tulita Fire Department has been awarded the 2009 NWT Fire Service Merit Community Award.Fire Service Merit Awards are presented annually to individual firefighters and/or community fire departments that have made significant contributions to the Northwest Territories fire service and community fire protection.

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA) Robert C. McLeod says that volunteer fire fighters take on enormous responsibility as they strive to protect people and property from fire.

Fire fighters are essential for sustainable, vibrant safe communities, said Minister McLeod. These annual awards are a way of acknowledging the volunteer fire fighters who show great dedication to their work, communities and residents.

The NWT Fire Service Merit Awards are awarded each year during National Fire Prevention Week. During the week, residents are encouraged to take the time to remove any potential fire hazards in their home, and to thank the men and women in their local fire department who work hard to keep our communities safe.

For more information about the NWT Fire Service Merit Awards Program please visit MACAs website at www.maca.gov.nt.ca.