TIFTON, Ga. – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation presented donations to Moultrie fire and police departments, along with others from across South Georgia, on Wednesday.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded seven lifesaving equipment grants to first responders in a ceremony at the Tifton Firehouse Subs. In all, the foundation gave $122,402 to enhance emergency response efforts, increase protection and improve quality of life for local first responders.  

 Moultrie Fire Department received three self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) valued at $21,544. The devices will replace older, heavier air packs and will be worn when air quality is poor, providing firefighters with necessary protection and breathable air so they can deliver safe and efficient services to the community, according to a press release from the foundation.    

“We are incredibly grateful for this grant from the foundation,” said Moultrie Fire Department Fire Investigator Robin Lawson. “Not only does it enable us to replace outdated and obsolete gear, but the new equipment is ergonomically designed for comfort, reducing fatigue on our firefighters. It is also designed with features that allow for easier and more complete clean up and decontamination, adding a layer of protection for our firefighters by reducing their exposure to toxins, which in turn reduces the risk of cancer.”    

    Moultrie Police Department received nine ballistic protective vests and seven entry ballistic protective vests with ballistic plates valued at $29,795. The vests and shields will protect officers in the line of duty during emergency situations.

These are the first donations from the foundation to Moultrie agencies since Firehouse Subs opened a restaurant in Moultrie about a year ago.

Other awards presented Wednesday include:

    • Americus Fire & Emergency Services received two automated external defibrillators (AEDs) valued at $2,918. Fitzgerald Fire Department also received nine AEDs valued at $10,085. The awarded devices will help ensure first responders are prepared to provide medical assistance if an individual goes into cardiac arrest.

    • Hahira Fire Department received a thermal imaging kit valued at $9,028. The awarded equipment will be used to detect body heat and hot spots in burning buildings, allowing firefighters to quickly locate victims and provide lifesaving assistance.

• Randolph County Fire EMA & Rescue received extrication equipment and accessories valued at $25,978. The awarded tools will improve the organization’s rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents by allowing first responders to cut through materials used in modern manufacturing and quickly reach victims in need of medical attention. Located in a rural area, the organization responds to many emergency situations in ravines and woods; the new equipment is battery powered, increasing first responder mobility in these remote areas.

    • Terrell County Fire Rescue received 12 sets of turnout gear and 10 pairs of insulated rubber structural boots valued at $23,054. The awarded gear, which will replace old, damaged gear, allows firefighters to provide safe and efficient services to their community.

Event attendees included local first responders, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters, Firehouse Subs Area Representatives Lisa and Chris Holmes, and Firehouse Subs franchisees Carla Dodson, Chris Fabozzi and Ralph Fabozzi.

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 guests 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. The foundation is also the beneficiary of a Charitable Sales Promotion where Firehouse of America will donate to the foundation a sum equivalent to 0.13 percent of all gross sales with a minimum donation of $1 million through Dec. 31, 2018.

To donate online and support Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.