Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awards $30,000 to first responders
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POCATELLO — Local first responders were awarded more than $30,000 in equipment Thursday by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.
The Pocatello Police department received 35 armored plates providing more protection for officers. The plates are valued at just over $20,000.
Blackfoot Fire Department and the Power County Rural Fire district received equipment as well. Blackfoot received four gas meters worth just under $6,000. The meters are placed in fire trucks and help detect gas, alerting responders to move victims to safe locations.
“We are proud to serve,” Blackfoot Fire Chief Ben Hirschi said,”Now we can serve the the community better.”
Hirschi said the department has needed the meters for a while and the equipment will now allow the department to go on multiple gas check calls if needed.
Power County received extrication tools worth nearly $5,000 that will increase the department’s ability to rescue victims in motor vehicle accidents.
Fire House Subs Representative Randy Judd and franchisee Byron Putman met with first responders at Fire House Subs located on 231 West Quinn Road in Pocatello for the award ceremony.
“It’s awesome to apart of a great company that does more than make great sandwiches,” Putnam said, “The community has supported us and now we are able to support them.
In 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was created with a mission to fund life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Firehouse Subs is the organization’s largest contributor, spokeswoman Meghan Vargas said.
Firehouse Subs collected money for the foundation with cans placed in restaurants, selling pickle jars and allowing customers to round up their bill with a donation. The Foundation has supplied equipment across 44 states and Puerto Rico totaling over $17 million, including over $85,000 in Idaho.