Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awards grant to Apopka Fire Department

A new grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will better prepare the Apopka Fire Department to rescue victims of automobile accidents.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded Apopka firefighters a $32,575.00 grant to purchase vehicle extrication equipment. A press event will be held on this Saturday at 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the donation of this life-saving equipment. This event will take place at Firehouse Subs in the Apopka Commons, located at 1608 W. Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka, FL 32712.

Event attendees include local first responders; City of Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson and City Council members; Firehouse Subs area representative Mike Kelly; local franchisee Walt Bertlaney; and Nate Sturm from Municipal Emergency Services. Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. Each restaurant recycles five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guest 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.

In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, lifesaving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $42 million to hometown heroes in 49 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $6.8 million in Florida.

The Apopka Fire Department is utilizing this funding to purchase an eDraulic cutter, spreader and ram package, which will assist first responders with extrication during challenging vehicle rescues.