The City of Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety unveiled its newest lifesaving extrication equipment, made possible thanks to a $36,175 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Proceeds from purchases made at U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants provided the funding for this grant award.
The tools, Hurst Jaws of Life, will assist first responders by dramatically reducing the time it takes them to safely extricate victims involved in motor vehicle accidents above ground and underwater. The equipment will also give the department the capability to respond to complex incidents involving heavy trucks, as well as cut and spread ultra-hardened steels found in newer vehicles.
To celebrate the receipt of the awarded equipment, City of Hollywood Fire Rescue Division Chief James Russo joined local Firehouse Subs Franchisee Ulises Lacentre in acknowledging the grant award and demonstrating the new equipment during an in-person event.
“It’s really a win-win,” said Chief Russo, “for the victims, the firefighters on the scene, the commanders, it is really great for all involved. This type of equipment will enable our firefighters to get access, more quickly and more safely.”
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted over $639,000 to first responder organizations in greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale and $10.5 million across Florida. Firehouse Subs was founded in 1994 by former firefighter brothers Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen. Firehouse Subs currently has over 1,210 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
