Hanover Township VFD gets a boost
The Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department recently received a grant to purchase equipment from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Members of the department, from left, firefighters Sam Hake and Ethan Baker, Lt. Tyler Roush, Lt. Brendan Rose, firefighter Chuck Kooser, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Wood, Chief Frank Baker and Capt. Tim Roush along with Firehouse Subs representative Matt Liggett and Fire Force’s Ron Myers and Liz Mackall display the equipment that was purchased through the donation. (Submitted photo)
(Submitted photo)
(Submitted photo)
The Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department recently received a grant to purchase equipment from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Members of the department, from left, firefighters Sam Hake and Ethan Baker, Lt. Tyler Roush, Lt. Brendan Rose, firefighter Chuck Kooser, Assistant Fire Chief Tim Wood, Chief Frank Baker and Capt. Tim Roush along with Firehouse Subs representative Matt Liggett and Fire Force’s Ron Myers and Liz Mackall display the equipment that was purchased through the donation. (Submitted photo)
(Submitted photo)
(Submitted photo)
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HANOVERTON - In 2005, Firehouse Subs founders Chris and Robin Sorensen found themselves feeding the first responders in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Former firefighters themselves, the brothers felt it was the least they could do. It didn't take the pair long to decide that they wanted to do more and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was established. The organization, founded the same year that Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast, provides first responders with lifesaving equipment.
The Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department became the foundation's latest recipient. The department was awarded hoses, nozzles, a ground monitor and other accessories, including equipment that will help detect water levels and obtain water in rural areas. The equipment has a monetary value of $19,750.
"I can't emphasize enough how grateful we are to Firehouse Subs for the grant," said Tim Roush, a captain with the Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department. "The equipment will strengthen our fire-attacking and water-supply capabilities in rural areas as we serve the residents of our township."
It was Roush that set the process in motion when he was enjoying lunch at a Firehouse Subs franchise.
"I heard about it when I was eating at Firehouse Subs. I approached my fire chief and my assistant fire chief with the idea," Roush said. "We found out we were eligible, the chief decided what equipment would best serve our needs and the needs of the township residents and we ultimately was awarded the grant."
Once the grant was awarded, the department turned to local business Fire Source in New Waterford to supply the fire-fighting equipment directed toward rural firefighting efforts.
That, according to Firehouse Subs Youngstown Representative Matt Liggett, is the beauty of the grants offered by the foundation.
"These funds from the grants are used completely at the recipients' discretion. They can best decide what equipment they need and we let them do that," he said. "We've had our grants used for ATV and off-the-road vehicles to boats for first responders who serve the Ohio River area. Whatever they need to help saves lives."
The foundation has awarded over $75 million nationwide since its inception with $3.7 million donated in Ohio and $227,000 to Youngstown area first responders. The Youngstown donations came in 14 grants awarded locally.
Foundation funds are raised through various ways including direct donations and by rounding up sales at 1,206 restaurants in 46 states.
The foundation also provides prevention and educational tools about fire safety and natural disaster preparedness, a scholarship program for both current and future police and firefighters, funding and resources to military non-profits and feeding first responders in the wake of natural disasters.
But ultimately, the foundation's website states the main objective is to "impact the lifesaving capabilities and the lives of local heroes and their communities."