MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – Increasing lifesaving capabilities and improving public safety across southern South Carolina, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded $88,521 worth of equipment grants to five local first responder organizations on Tuesday, May 7.
The dedication ceremony, which took place at the Berkeley County Emergency Services Training Center located at 474 Reid Hill Road, was held in honor of Gerald “Kenny” Morris, a longtime first responder who passed away last fall in a multi-vehicle collision.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than 3,831 grants since its inception in 2005, but these particular awards hit especially close to home. Morris of Macedonia, S.C. was not only a beloved member of the community, but he was also the father of Emily Thomas, an employee of the Moncks Corner Firehouse Subs.
In support of Emily and her family, General Manager Jeff Gould and crew members of Firehouse Subs #1612 came together and fundraised for equipment that could prevent future tragedies. These grants were made possible from their efforts.
“Firehouse Subs was built on a foundation of hearty and flavorful food, heartfelt service and public safety, but it was also a brand built on family,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications Jackie Kotos. “As brothers and former fighters, Firehouse Subs and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen understand the importance of supporting loved ones. The Foundation is honored to award these grants
to support our brave South Carolina first responders, and even more honored to do so in remembrance of Kenny Morris.”
The below encapsulates the grant awards celebrated at the May 7 event:
Berkeley County Emergency Preparedness Department received various pieces of water response equipment, including a regulator set, bailout tank, dive computer, fins, wet suits, LED lights and more. The county has 130 square miles of water within its jurisdiction, and the awarded equipment will greatly improve the department’s water rescue capabilities.
Jasper County Fire Rescue received 30 pickle buckets to establish on-scene decontamination kits to service each of the organization’s engines and service trucks. The buckets will be used to hold a wash solution and brush, decreasing exposure to carcinogens and reducing the risk of cancer for Jasper County firefighters.
Macedonia Fire District received extrication equipment to quickly cut through materials used in modern manufacturing, improving firefighters’ rescue capabilities for victims in motor vehicle accidents.
Moncks Corner Rural Fire Department received a washer/extractor and dryer cabinet, and three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories. The washer and dryer cabinet will provide a deep clean to the department’s bunker gear, improving firefighter safety by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and carcinogens. The awarded AEDs will be placed in the department’s first run trucks and squad trucks, ensuring firefighters are prepared to provide medical assistance to cardiac arrest victims. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR or AED use can double, even triple, survival rates.
Town of Summerville received 10 sets of bunker gear replace the outdated gear currently in use. The new gear will better protect first responders as they provide safe and efficient services to their community.
Event attendees included first responders; Jackie Kotos; Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters; Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Procurement Specialist Mary Pat Wallmeyer; Firehouse Subs area representatives Bryan and Mary Paquin; Firehouse Subs host franchisee BJ Paquin Jr.
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