Firehouse Subs Heats up Tampa Bay Area

Firehouse Subs heats up Tampa Bay area with more than $56,200 worth of life-saving tools

October 7, 2014

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is celebrating the donation of much needed equipment to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, City of Seminole Fire Rescue, City of Treasure Island Fire Department and Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department. To celebrate the donations, each organization is holding a dedication event.

On Tuesday, October 7, 2014 a dedication event was held at the Firehouse Subs Restaurant at 10801 Starkey Road in Largo, Florida.  This event showcased their contribution to both the City of Seminole Fire Rescue and the City of Treasure Island Fire Department.  Franchise owner Sarju Patel said, “Money raised helps people and helps departments like yourselves get equipment that is live-saving.”

City Of Seminole Fire Rescue received fire prevention and safety materials, worth more than $20,000. The donated materials will be used to educate up to 245,000 members of the community, reducing the risk of accidental injury or death.  Seminole Fire Rescue Public Education Officer, Brad Dykens, discussed their partnership with Tampa Bay Times Newspaper in Education (NIE) program.  NIE is an initiative that places informational newspapers in the hands of students at various age levels.

Designed to be a teaching tool used in the classroom as a unit in health, “Fire Prevention” used reading and other analytic skills to convey the message of life safety to grades 4, 5, 6, and 7.  This age, known as the Latchkey group has been the focus point for life safety educators nationwide as more and more children in this age group stay at home along prior to their parents’ arrival home from work.

City of Treasure Island Fire Department received a Sea Doo watercraft with accessories and a trailer for hauling, worth more than $13,400. The donated watercraft will assist with demanding water-related rescue situations.  This also included a Rescue sled that can be towed behind the water craft along with rescue vests and helmets.  Fire Chief Bill Mallory discussed the importance of this resource not just for the City of Treasure Island but for the surrounding cities as well.

ABOUT FIREHOUSE SUBS PUBLIC SAFETY 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 has given $11 million to hometown heroes in 41 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $2.1 million in Florida.

Support Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation by purchasing a $1 or $5 medallion in October from any Firehouse Subs restaurant. Your medallion will be displayed in the restaurant all month long.

“These grants may not have been possible if it weren’t for the generosity of our guests,” says Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Programs Manager Jacquelyn Gubbins.

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. 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.

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