By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



A national sandwich shop chain recently gave an early Christmas gift to the Town of Brookside.

On Tuesday, Firehouse Subs in Homewood donated a $4,000 oximeter to the town’s fire department. The donation was made through the restaurant chain’s non-profit Public Safety Foundation.

The store is located at 429 Green Springs Highway.

Firehouse Subs created the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005. Over the past two years, the Foundation has donated more than $1.75 million in equipment and resources.

The foundation’s funds for equipment are raised through individual donations, pickle bucket sales and canisters placed by registers. Each Firehouse Subs restaurant recycles leftover five-gallon pickle buckets and allows customers to purchase for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect change and cash for the Foundation.

Store owner David Conklin said a customer got the information about the foundation at the Homewood store and nominated Brookside to be honored with the grant. He said the chain has a history of helping fire departments on a local level.

One of the reasons we were so drawn to the Firehouse Subs concept was the idea that they give back to the local community so generously,” he said. “We have been working all year collecting donations and are fired up to help the Brookside Fire Rescue Department.”

Brookside Fire Chief Donnie Huey said the department will use the oximeter on the general public to check blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. He said the equipment will also be used on firefighters after fighting fires. Huey thanked Firehouse Subs for securing the equipment for the department.

“We could have never gotten this thing on our own as fast as Firehouse stepped in and got it for us,” he said. “It’s a very important piece of equipment. Firehouse has been terrific.”

Huey said his department is working to seek new equipment through Homeland Security grants. He said some of the equipment needed include self-contained breathing apparatuses and turnout gear.