Firehouse Subs Grants Awarded To Pierce County Agencies

LAKEWOOD, WA - Three Pierce County fire and police agencies in Lakewood, Graham, and Puyallup were recently awarded grants to purchase necessary lifesaving equipment used by first responders. To celebrate the awards, and to give the community an opportunity to offer its own support, the agencies will meet Feb. 22 at the Lakewood Firehouse Subs shop for a fundraising promotion.

Previously set for Feb. 12, the fundraiser was rescheduled due to weather.

Awarded by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Firehouse Subs restaurant business, the grants provided the three agencies with more than $70,000 worth of new equipment. Now Graham and Riverside fire & rescue and the Lakewood Police Department are among the 3,725 other agencies across the nation to benefit from the foundation's support since its inception in 2005, following Hurricane Katrina.

While donations to the foundation are accepted at any time, the fundraiser/celebration event will offer guests the option to purchase a 5-gallon pickle bucket for $2 each or to participate in the restaurant's Round Up Program, which allows diners to round up their bills to the nearest dollar, with the extra change going straight to the foundation.

The Feb. 22 celebration begins at 10 a.m. at 5700 100th St. SW in Lakewood. According to Lakewood police officials, Firehouse Subs Area Representative Maryellen Mech and Firehouse Subs franchisee Jina Kim will both be in attendance.

Lakewood police spokesman Lt. Chris Lawler described the grant awards as follows:

Graham Fire & Rescue received two telescoping rams valued at $23,738. The awarded rams will increase both responder and citizen safety, decrease the need to utilize extrication equipment from other departments and improve the organization’s ability to administer aid to victims in motor vehicle accidents.

Lakewood Police Department received 30 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) with fast response kits valued at $24,999. The awarded equipment will help ensure the department is prepared to provide medical assistance if an individual goes into cardiac arrest.

Riverside Fire & Rescue received 10 sets of bunker gear valued at $21,516. The awarded gear, which includes pants and jackets, will replace the outdated gear currently in use, more effectively protecting firefighters as they provide safe and efficient services to their community.

"The Foundation is the heart of Firehouse Subs, and it was the final piece that cemented my decision to join the brand," Mech told Patch in an email. "I believe in the Foundation's mission of supporting first responders and public safety, and it's truly amazing to see the lifesaving impact it has on communities across the country. I’m thrilled to have contributed to the 31 grants awarded in Washington, including the most recent in Pierce county."

For more information on the foundation, visit FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

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This post was updated to reflect the rescheduled fundraiser date.

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