Firehouse Subs Donates $19,000 Worth of Equipment to Dublin Firefighters

DUBLIN, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Firehouse Subs is heating up the Dublin Fire Department by donating thousands of dollars worth of life-saving equipment.

When it comes to battling blazes, a firefighters first line of defense is not water, but his own equipment. Dublin fire officials say during these difficult economic times, replacing those necessary tools doesn’t happen as often as it used to, which is why this donation from Firehouse Subs to the Dublin Fire Department is a life-saver.

When Dublin firefighters get call, they suit up and are ready to battle a blaze. Their number one defense against any fire: yellow suits called turn outs.

“This is the first line of defense for a firefighter. When he goes inside a burning structure, his turnouts and his air pack are all he has to protect himself,” Dublin Fire Chief Pat Ballard said.

These suits take on a lot of damage and are expensive to replace. That’s why Ballard applied for a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant to get new equipment for his men.

“During today’s economic time, everybody downsizing and everybody doing with a little less, this is a huge benefit to the Dublin Fire Department,” Ballard said.

The foundation donated 10 sets of turn outs and 10 helmets worth nearly $19,000 to the fire department. It’s life saving equipment these men need to do their job.

“If you don’t have good gear and you go into a burning building then you’re going to become injured, if not worse” Lieutenant Matthew Cutler said.

The foundation started back in 2005 with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and education opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit, Firehouse Subs has give almost 500 donations totaling $5.7 million to hometown heroes in 36 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $580,000 in Georgia.

“It’s great to be able to take these donations and give back to the community,” Will Collins, Dublin Firehouse Subs owner, said. “When times are tight, people still donate their money and every penny counts so everybody in this community has helped save lives in someway.”

It’s a small price to pay to protect the men who serve us everyday.

There are several ways you can donate to the foundation. Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to customers for $2. There are also donation canisters at the register counters. Customers also have the opportunity to participate in the “Round Up Program” which allows them to round up their bill to the nears dollar. All the money raised benefits the foundation.

Click here for more information on Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.