Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2008 Source: Niagara This Week (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Contact: http://www.niagarathisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3733 Author: Paul Forsyth Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) RESIDENTS HONOURED FOR FIGHTING GROW-OPS Two Niagara residents have been singled out by the Ontario Fire Marshal for their efforts to stamp out illegal marijuana growing operations in Niagara, which officials say pose a potentially deadly threat. Joe Adams of St. Catharines and Leo Mercier of Niagara Falls were both presented with a Fire Safety Advocate Award from Fire Marshal Patrick Burke for their grow-op work. Burke, former fire chief for Niagara Falls, made fighting grow-ops a high priority in his time as fire chief. Adams is a senior inspector with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). He has been instrumental in helping the Niagara Falls Fire Department to close down marijuana grow operations, and has spent long hours in Provincial Offences Court as an expert witness in numerous trials held in Niagara Falls since 2005, the Fire Marshal's office said. As a result of his extensive technical knowledge, Adams' testimony in court, on at least a dozen of occasions has been used to support charges relating to the alteration of heating and ventilation systems in the homes and buildings where marijuana grow operations have been discovered, the Fire Marshal said. Illegal grow-ops often bypass hydro conduits because of the large amount of hydro the grow-up lights require, and can involve ham-handed wiring and alteration of furnace vents. Those alterations pose a dire threat of fire and electrocution, officials say. Adams has helped train Niagara firefighters and Niagara Regional Police on identifying and reducing those shock and fire hazards. "Joe has been a driving force behind the eradication of marijuana grow operations in the Niagara region," said Burke. "His professional opinion and evidence offered in court has helped the Niagara Falls fire department spend less time in long and complicated trials." Mercier is an inspector with the Electrical Safety Authority. He has been deemed an expert witness on the electrical hazards associated with marijuana grow operations. Since 2005, he has provided testimony in Provincial Offences Court to support charges related to electrical wiring in grow-ops. He also helps train firefighters and city workers to reduce the risks associated with grow-ops for emergency officials and the public. "Leo's expert testimony in court has certainly made a difference in the outcome of trials involving marihuana grow operations," said Burke. "His contributions will continue to have a significant impact on fire safety in the Niagara region." Fire departments throughout the province nominated individuals and organizations for this year's awards; 17 recipients were selected. Ontario Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci and Burke presented the awards June 25 in Toronto. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom