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Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to issue grants to police, fire departments
fire equipment
First departments in Port Wentworth and Garden City will receive equipment grants. The the City of Pooler Police Department will also receive assistance. - photo by File photo

RINCON -- Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will celebrate lifesaving equipment grants valued at $50,862 awarded to the Garden City Fire Department, Port Wentworth Fire Department and City of Pooler Police Department during a 10:30 a.m. dedication event Tuesday at Firehouse Subs, located at 449 South Columbia Avenue.

“Far too often we hear stories of first responders using old and outdated equipment that is not serviceable,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation’s Events and Outreach Coordinator Nancy Palmer. “We want them to have the best tools and technology needed to save lives.”

            The event will incorporate a donation ceremony, as well as live demonstrations from receiving organizations, explaining the importance of the equipment and how it will be used to save lives. Residents and Firehouse Subs guests are invited to join the celebration and see firsthand how their generous contributions have come full circle to provide much needed equipment in their community.  

The below encapsulates each grant award being celebrated at the  event, including a brief description of equipment use and value: 

·      Garden City Fire Department received 15 sets of new turnout gear, valued at $20,837. This awarded gear, which includes coats, pants, boots and gloves, will replace old, damaged gear, allowing firefighters to provide safe and efficient services to their community.  

·      Port Wentworth Fire Department was awarded $3,119 worth of gas detectors and cylinders. This equipment will allow firefighters to detect gas leaks and help better protect their community. 

·      City of Pooler Police Department was awarded a DUI/distracted driving simulator and accessories, valued at $26,906. This simulator will help educate the community about the dangers of driving while under the influence and distracted.

Event attendees include representatives from each receiving department, as well as Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Events and Outreach Coordinator, Nancy Palmer and Firehouse Subs franchisees: Eddie Wells and Mitul Desai. 

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, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Since inception, the non-profit organization has granted more than $44 million to hometown heroes in 49 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $2.8 million in Georgia.

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. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors.