Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recently celebrated awarding $45,101 worth of life-saving equipment grants to two first responder organizations, a school and a local school district during a press event at a Gainesville Firehouse Subs restaurant.

The event, held Nov. 2, featured live demonstrations from benefitting entities, who explained the importance of the equipment and how it will be used to save lives.

“It’s always an honor to give back to those who work day in and out to keep us safe,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Senior Manager of Foundation Programs Jackie Gubbins. “Without our help, these organizations might not have been able to purchase the equipment on their own. It’s incredible to hear stories and know our grant awards are actually saving lives.

Dawson County Emergency Services received a thermal imaging camera valued at $10,136. The awarded camera will be used to detect hot spots in burning buildings, as well as during search and rescue missions, allowing first responders to quickly locate victims and provide life-saving assistance.

Also benefiting were the City of Baldwin Fire Department, which received extrication equipment valued at $18,964. The awarded equipment will replace obsolete extrication tools purchased more than 35 years ago, improving the departments’ rescue capabilities in motor vehicle accidents by allowing firefighters to cut through materials used in modern manufacturing and quickly reach victims in need of medical attention.

Grants allocated to schools were made possible thanks to the Foundation’s partnership with Cardiac Life Extension and Rescue Coalition, Inc. (CLEAR Coalition) – a non-profit organization dedicated to CPR/AED training and program implementation throughout Georgia.

Hebron Christian Academy received an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a variety of training equipment, including CPR manikins and two AED trainers worth a combined $5,210.

Hall County Schools received 20 sets of CPR/AED training manikins with monitors valued at $10,791. The awarded equipment will be distributed across schools in the county, increasing the number of students and staff able to receive training each year. The county currently shares four sets among 33 schools.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Firehouse Subs co-founders, Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, traveled to Mississippi where they provided food to 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 its inception, the non-profit organization has granted more than $29.5 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $1.8 million in Georgia.
Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors.