Firehouse Subs Gives Louisiana First Responders $125k

THIBODAUX, La (press release) – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation supported South Louisiana first responders, 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, the very event that inspired the creation of the foundation.

The foundation gave nearly $125,000 for lifesaving equipment to the Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department, Lafourche Crossing 308 Volunteer Fire Department, Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department, Amelia Volunteer Fire Department and Morgan City Fire Department.

Equipment tools for the Louisiana first responders include a chest compression device, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), extrication equipment and additional firefighting tools.

The foundation gave the grants on Monday, Dec. 8, during a celebration at the Thibodaux Civic Center.

The awards are part of a larger grant of over $102 million from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to support safety across the U.S.

“This investment is truly transformative for our community and for the state of Louisiana,” said Firehouse Subs Franchisee Josh Culbreth. “Our first responders face emergencies every day with limited resources, and this new equipment will make a direct and immediate difference.”

Specific grants awarded to each department:

• • Bayou Blue Volunteer Fire Department and Amelia Volunteer Fire Department each received a chest compression system valued at a combined $32,673. The new equipment will allow first responders to respond to cardiac emergencies more efficiently and deliver compressions at a constant rate and depth, increasing survival outcomes.
  • Lafourche Crossing 308 Volunteer Fire Department received an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) valued at $24,767. This new vehicle will allow first responders to access hard-to-reach areas, including rough terrain, forests and more.
  • Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department received extrication equipment, including a spreader, cutter and ram valued at $41,736. The awarded equipment will improve the department’s rescue capabilities following motor vehicle accidents, allowing them to reach victims quickly.
  • Morgan City Fire Department received a variety of firefighting hoses, valves and tips valued at $24,590. The awarded equipment will allow firefighters to fight fires more quickly by giving them flexibility to control the direction, pressure and flow of water.

“Above all, we want to express our deepest appreciation to the local heroes who show up for us every day,” said Culbreth. “Their dedication inspires us to continue supporting this community.”

During the grant presentation event, the Choctaw Volunteer Fire Department completed a live extrication demonstration using their new equipment.

The Governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, also spoke at the event, held at the Thibodaux Civic Center.

For the past 20 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded 7,013 grants valued at over $102 million to public safety organizations since 2005.