Westerville Division of Fire Receives Grant from Firehouse Subs

Westerville Firefighter Nick Jones says a background and interest in writing helped him pursue an idea that eventually garnered an equipment grant valued at nearly $9,000 for the Westerville Division of Fire. Firehouse Subs, located at 2140 Polaris Pkwy., met with the Division and told staffers about its Foundation, and Jones decided to pick up the grant application and start writing.

“As a group, we decided there was something we wanted to go for, and replace equipment that was very necessary for us because it was just outdated,” said Jones. “I wanted to do this for the department and the public we serve.”

Firehouse Subs is known for its sandwiches, but its founders’ 200-year firefighting heritage inspired the formation of the Foundation, which provides support to public safety entities. Earlier this spring, the Foundation awarded the grant for personal flotation devices and marine rescue equipment.

Funding provided 27 High Visibility Inflatable PFDs (personal flotation devices) and 10 Stea rns Industrial and Rescue PFDs with marine whistles, dive knives and tether system. The inflatable PFDs automatically activate when immersed in water and the Stearns PFDs also act as flotation devices, both providing vital safety in the event of accidental immersion with injury, allowing for safer and more efficient water rescues.

Jones says the jackets are improvements in both design and function. “With Alum Creek and Hoover nearby, there are now enough jackets for every seat in every truck in the event we need to perform a water rescue,” he said.

“You never know when you or someone close to you will be personally impacted by the life-saving capabilities of a first responder,” said Julian Goodman, franchisee of the Columbus Firehouse Subs location. “These heroes deserve the best tools, training and technology, and our Foundation is here to help make that happen.”

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Foundation with the mission to provide funding, lifesaving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first responders. Through this organization, more than $2 million has been given to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMS organizations.

For more information on Firehouse Subs or this donation, please visit www.firehousesubs.com or “Like” them at www. facebook.com/firehousesubs.