Bethel-Tate Fire Department was one of the five

Continuing its mission of supporting hometown heroes, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will celebrate $87,546 worth of life-saving equipment grants awarded to five local first responder organizations during a press event at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Firehouse Subs restaurant located at 830 Eastgate South Dr. Cincinnati, Ohio 45245.

The event will feature live demonstrations from benefitting departments explaining the importance of the equipment and how it will be used to save lives. Cincinnati 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.

“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 able to make a difference.”

The below encapsulates each grant award being celebrated at the Oct. 19 event, including a brief description of equipment use and value:

Bethel-Tate Fire Department received a thermal imaging camera valued at $9,000. The awarded camera will replace a unit that has expired beyond it’s serviceable life and will be used to detect body heat and hot spots in burning buildings, as well as during search and rescue missions, allowing firefighters to quickly locate victims and provide life-saving assistance.

West Chester Township Police Department received 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with cases valued at $15,480. The awarded AEDs will be placed in police cruisers, helping ensure the department is prepared to provide medical assistance if an individual goes into cardiac arrest. In West Chester Township, there were more than 4,000 emergency medical runs in 2015. The department responds to these calls and oftentimes is the first to arrive at the scene.

Harrison Fire Department received a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) equipped with a stretcher valued at $20,851. The awarded UTV and stretcher will allow firefighters to provide medical assistance and transport in areas impassable by traditional emergency vehicles. The department responds to calls in City River Park and approximately 12 miles of the Whitewater River, which attracts a large number of outdoor enthusiasts each year.

Lebanon Fire Division received a chest compression system valued at $14,632. The awarded device will assist firefighters by delivering uninterrupted chest compressions at a constant rate and depth to cardiac arrest patients, helping improve a patient’s chance of survival.

Little Miami Fire & Rescue District received extrication equipment valued at $27,583, including a ram, a pump, cutters, spreaders and two hoses. The awarded equipment will replace old, damaged tools, improving the department’s rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents along the four-lane state highway and expressway that run through the department’s response district.

Event attendees include local firefighters and police officers, as well as Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters, Firehouse Subs Area Representative Charles Fryman and the following Firehouse Subs franchisees: Corey Young, Kevin Fryman, Paul Robben and Susan Robben.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when Firehouse Subs 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 $1.4 million in Ohio.

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.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is also celebrating its largest annual fundraiser, Public Safety Month, which aims to raise $1 million for life-saving equipment. Throughout the month of October, Firehouse Subs guests are invited to support this initiative by visiting their local Firehouse Subs restaurant and donating $1, $5 or $25 for a paper medallion.

Proceeds will help the Foundation provide grant assistance to first responder and public safety organizations in need, helping ensure access to tools necessary for protecting communities and saving lives when emergency strikes.