NJN

HOMEWOOD, Ala. – Continuing its mission of supporting hometown heroes, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded $84,235 worth of life-saving equipment grants to four local first responder organizations on March 7.

“Giving back to our first responders is the primary goal of the Foundation,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters. “We’re in a very fortunate position that allows us to work together with Firehouse Subs restaurants to raise funds that help provide life-saving equipment locally and throughout the country. Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we’re truly making a difference.”

Morris Fire Department and Leeds Fire & Rescue received extrication equipment worth a combined $53,330. The awarded equipment will improve the departments’ rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents.

Mount Olive Fire & Rescue District received a skid unit worth $12,705, equipped with a water tank, fire pump and a hose reel with 200 feet of hose. The awarded vehicle will allow firefighters to provide fire suppression in areas impassable by traditional emergency vehicles.

Event attendees included local first responders, as well as Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters, Firehouse Subs Area Representative and Franchisee David Conklin and Firehouse Subs Franchisees James Cain and Bradley Cain.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Firehouse Subs co-founders, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, traveled to Mississippi where they fed first responders and survivors. As they traveled back to Florida, they knew they could do more and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Since inception, the non-profit organization has given more than $24 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $1.4 million in Alabama.

To raise money for the Foundation, Firehouse Subs restaurants participate in a number of fundraising efforts. Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar.