Firehouse Subs donates to first responders in effort to save lives

Firehouse Subs is doing more than making food.

It’s making donations to first responders in an effort to help save lives.

Thursday morning Firehouse Subs awarded Pocatello olice, the Blackfoot Fire Department and Power County Fire District new equipment.

Pocatello Police received new armor plates for protection while working. Blackfoot Fire Department got new meters to detect gas leaks faster. Power County got extraction tools for accident victims.

It’s part of Firehouse’s Public Safety Foundation, which provides first responders grants and equipment to improve their departments.

The foundation was started in 2005 the co-founders of Firehouse Subs, two brothers who were firefighters. They saw a need for funding and new equipment. Since it began, the foundation has awarded $17 million nationally, and more than $85,000 in Idaho alone.

Firehouse Subs franchisee Byron Putnam said it felt great to be able to give back.

“It’s been really cool to see a donation into the community in which I live,” Putnam said. “And it was spread out among the Police Department, the Fire Department, and really stuff that can have the potential to save lives.”

“To be able to be a part of an organization or business that is more than just sandwiches or money is really cool,” Putnam said. “The foundation is the heart of Firehouse Subs.”

Putnam said all the departments were very pleased with their equipment.