Boiling Springs Fire District receives grants for air and water
October 16, 2017
Officials with the Boiling Springs Fire District announced two grant awards totaling nearly $93,000 to aid in environmental conditions of two stations and to improve the district’s rescue capabilities.
The first grant of $17,909.50 was awarded by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase a 14′ inflatable raft, an inflatable boat, a motor, a transport trailer, and a propeller guard that allows the Boiling Springs Fire District to enhance its swiftwater rescue team.
According to Lt. Mike Ross who coordinates Boiling Springs Fire District’s water rescue team, “Swiftwater rescue equipment is never something you, as a department, ever want to use, but when it’s there, you’re thankful for it. Our personnel have had to perform several swiftwater rescues within our district, and this new equipment from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will allow us to be even better prepared for those situations – not just in our district, but throughout the county.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to support Boiling Springs Fire District,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Senior Manager of Foundation Development, Meghan Vargas. “First responders are truly our heroes, it’s an honor to give back to those who put their lives on the line every day to help others.”
The second is a grant from the United States Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The AFG award provides $75,000 to install vehicle exhaust removal systems at the district’s stations on Pelham Road and Hudson Road.
“When we have personnel inside a structure at a fire scene, they’re wearing air packs. We’re giving them safe air to breathe while they do their jobs. By attaching these systems to the exhaust pipes on our trucks when they’re parked inside the fire department bays, we’re doing the same thing. We’re taking out the toxic fumes and giving our personnel a safer environment,” Chief Steve Graham said.-30-
About the Boiling Springs Fire District
Established in 1968 and located on Greenville County’s Eastside, the Boiling Springs Fire District is an ISO Class 1 rated department that covers 15 square miles and serves over 26,000 residents. Governed by five commissioners recommended by county council and appointed by the governor, the Boiling Springs Fire District is a special purpose district responsible for addressing specific concerns and local issues among commercial and residential interests through over 40 paid personnel and nearly 20 volunteers operating out of 4 fire stations.
About the Firehouse Subs Public Safety 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 non-profit organization has granted more than $29.5 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $2 million in Texas.
Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while 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.
