The Shepherdstown Fire Department received a helping hand last week when they received $19,900 worth of turnout gear from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The Foundation donated 10 sets of turnout gear, a donation that would otherwise be unavailable due to budget constraints. The donated gear will replace outdated gear and provide firefighters with a safe uniform during training operations and life-threatening situations.

Firehouse Subs is a fast casual restaruant 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.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, live=-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first-responders. Through the nonprofit organization, Firehouse Subs has given $5.7 million to hometown heroes in 26 states and Puerto Rico.

Departments seeking assistance via the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation submit grant applications which are then awarded. The average funding for grants, according to the Firehouse Foundation website ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 but could be for larger amounts.

Individual stores raise money through the sale of pickle buckets and cash donations at the counter, which are in turn given back to the Foundation. An annual Men’s Doubles Tennis Tournament also provides a chance for the founder’s local community to come out and show their support for the organization. In addition to scholarships and fire prevention education, donated funds are used for purchasing crucial emergency response equipment such as thermal imaging cameras, which can detect heat given off by people that may be trapped in a burning building, allowing firefighters to accurately locate victims through the heavy smoke.

The closest Firehouse Subs Restaurant, from which the donation was made to the Shepherdstown department, is located at 5100 Buckeystown Pike, Frederick, Md. Members of Shepherdstown’s department traveled to the restaurant to receive the award.