FORT WALTON BEACH — Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is celebrating $83,009 worth of life-saving equipment grants awarded to Okaloosa Island Fire District, Niceville Fire Department, City of Crestview Fire Department and Holley-Navarre Fire District.
A ceremony celebrating the grants is 10:30 a.m. March 2 at Firehouse Subs Restaurant, 75 Eglin Parkway, Suite 121, Fort Walton Beach.
Attendees include local firefighters, Firehouse Subs Area Representative Jim Broscious, Firehouse Subs Franchisees Mike Stange, Kenneth Stange, Ralph Fabozzi, and Chris Broscious and Cheryl Broscious, and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters.
City of Crestview Fire Department received extrication equipment worth $24,569. The awarded equipment will improve the department’s rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents.
Okaloosa Island Fire District received two thermal imaging cameras worth $18,690. The awarded equipment will be used to detect body heat and hot spots in burning buildings, as well as during offshore rescue missions, allowing firefighters to quickly locate victims and provide life-saving assistance.
Niceville Fire Department received a thermal imager and mounting hardware worth $18,896. The awarded equipment will be placed on the department’s fireboat, improving firefighters’ navigation and rescue abilities at night. The camera can spot an individual’s body heat up to two miles away.
Holley-Navarre Fire District received a variety of rescue equipment worth $19,294, including a rescue saw, thermal imaging camera and gas monitor. The awarded equipment will improve the organization’s rescue capabilities, allowing firefighters to provide safe and efficient services to their community.
In addition to the grant awards, Gulf Coast Kid’s House also received hospital-grade fire exit lights worth $1,560. The awarded equipment will ensure staff and families are able to exit the building safely during fire emergencies.
About the foundation
In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $17 million to hometown heroes in 44 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $3.1 million in Florida.
One way the foundation provides funds is by selling leftover five-gallon pickle buckets to restaurant customers for a $2 foundation donation.
Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the foundation.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: More than $83,000 awarded to Northwest Florida public safety organizations