Movers and Shakers: Firehouse Subs Donates Life-Saving Equipment to Manatee FIre & Rescue and Longboat Key P.D.

Attendees included local firefighters and police officers, franchisees John Cz and Patrick Ryan, area representative David Berlin and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation executive director Robin Peters.

The West Manatee Fire & Rescue was provided with tubular webbing, nylon drop bags, a belay device, rescue cord carabineers and carabineer pulleys worth more than $9,200. The donated equipment will allow the department to rescue victims and fellow firefighters exposed to airborne contaminants out of Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) environments quickly and safely.

The Longboat Key Police Department was donated 11 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories worth more than $16,300. The donated devices will ensure members of the department are prepared to provide life-saving assistance if a citizen goes into cardiac arrest.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given $5.7 million to hometown heroes in 36 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $1.2 million in Florida. 

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the Foundation.

Firehouse Subs® is a fast casual restaurant chain with a passion for hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety. Founded by former firefighters and brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, the highest quality meats and cheeses piled higher, steaming hot subs, and its commitment to saving lives through the creation of Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation, and the company is built upon a family of franchise operators that share their same passion for serving others. Firehouse Subs consistently ranks No. 1 among fast casual brands in the categories of food quality, taste and flavor, and friendly service; for the last two years Franchise Business Review has ranked it No. 1 in franchisee satisfaction, and in 2012, the brand earned first place honors in the sandwich category in the Nation’s Restaurant News Consumer Picks study.