GRAVETTE — The city of Gravette Fire Department received 20 sets of turnout gear valued at $9,717 at an award ceremony Tuesday, May 9, at the Firehouse Subs restaurant in Bentonville. The gear was received through a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Money for these grants is raised year-round at more than 1,060 Firehouse Subs restaurants across the nation.

The awarded gear is more lightweight and breathable than traditional turnouts. It provides ease of movement without compromising protection from heat and flames and will be worn by firefighters when responding to non-interior fire emergencies, including wildfires and motor vehicle accidents. Lieutenant Dave Winter, with the Gravette Fire Department, said the gear would be used on about 60 percent of the department's calls.

The Tontitown Area Fire Department also received five complete sets of traditional turnout gear, as well as 10 air cylinders worth a combined $22,824. Firefighters from both departments were at the awards ceremony and gave live demonstrations, explaining the importance of the equipment and how it will be used to save lives.

"It feels great to be able to give back to those who put their lives on the line everyday to protect us and outfit them with the most up-to-date gear," said Meghan Vargas, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation senior manager of foundation development. "People don't realize first responders oftentimes lack funds needed to purchase new equipment. We're thankful for generous contributions from Firehouse Subs guests that allow us to provide this assistance through the Foundation."

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when Firehouse Subs co-founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen traveled to Mississippi where they provided food to first responders and survivors. As they traveled back to Florida, they knew they could do more, and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was born with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Since its inception, the nonprofit organization has given more than $25 million to hometown heroes in 45 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $407,000 in Arkansas.

Each restaurant recycles leftover five-gallon buckets, available for guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change and the Round Up Program allows guests to "round up" their bill to the nearest dollar. Grant allocations are made possible, thanks to the overwhelming support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors.

Community on 05/17/2017