Fire department receives equipment through Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs has not opened its new location at 808 Green Springs Highway yet, but the nearly-finished building was the site for firefighters from Homewood and four other departments to receive brand-new, life-saving equipment.

Firehouse Subs’ Public Safety Foundation raised $117,455 to provide extrication equipment, such as the Jaws of Life, and other tools to Homewood, Trussville, Tarrant, Center Point and Irondale fire departments. Foundation Senior Development Manager Meghan Vargas said that the money is a small part of the $18 million the Foundation has raised for fire departments since it began in 2005. About $1 million of that has gone to Alabama firefighters.

On March 31, firefighters from all five fire departments, as well as Homewood Mayor Scott McBrayer and Chief of Staff J.J. Bischoff, gathered at the new Firehouse Subs to celebrate their new equipment.

“You guys are the real heroes, we’re just glad to give you the tools you need,” said Firehouse area representative David Conklin.

About 60 percent of the money for the grants came from donations by Firehouse Subs customers, which many times is just spare change. Restaurants raise money through recycling leftovers, donation canisters, $2 donation pickle buckets and offering customers to “Round Up” their bill to the next dollar with proceeds benefiting the Foundation.

“It is our customers that make this possible,” Conklin said. “To take people’s pennies and turn it into what you see today is amazing.”

Homewood Fire Chief John Bresnan said he learned about the Public Safety Foundation grants while working with Firehouse Subs for the new building’s inspection. He said the new equipment is a much-needed update, as the extrication tools are battery-powered and therefore lighter and quieter than the older gas-powered ones. Bresnan said the new tools enable Homewood’s firefighters to respond more quickly to emergencies.

“We greatly appreciate what Firehouse is doing for us,” Bresnan said.