Many thanks to the Firehouse Subs folks! The Silver Bluff Fire Dept suffered tremendous losses from the tornado last spring. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and may God bless all of you!
AIKEN --- Firehouse Subs, a company started by firefighters, recently agreed to award $23,000 to the Silver Bluff Fire Department, whose headquarters station was destroyed in an April tornado. Some of the department's fire trucks also were damaged.
Silver Bluff Assistant Chief Kevin Lancaster announced the grant Wednesday, saying it would help his department purchase a $10,000 thermal imaging camera as well as a $13,000 extrication device. The camera helps firefighters see whether someone is inside a burning building without having to go into the structure.
The extrication tool, commonly referred to as "the jaws of life," will help free people trapped after an automobile accident. Mr. Lancaster said the new equipment is more effective on some newer vehicle designs.
Mr. Lancaster said his department was one of about 15 agencies nationwide to receive the grant from Firehouse Subs.
Mr. Lancaster said Silver Bluff Fire Department still hopes to get some stimulus funds to rebuild its headquarters. That grant became available in June, and the awards should be announced starting this month and continuing into November 2010.
Damage to the headquarters was estimated at $500,000, but Mr. Lancaster has said the department received only about $250,000 in insurance money.
If the stimulus money isn't approved, Mr. Lancaster has said the department would be "back to bare bones" in its design to make it affordable.
"One way or the other we're going to have to rebuild," he said.
The department has purchased two replacement fire trucks using insurance money, and a temporary building has been constructed.
Comments
Many thanks to the Firehouse Subs folks! The Silver Bluff Fire Dept suffered tremendous losses from the tornado last spring. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and may God bless all of you!
Where is the rest of the business community? This volunteer fire dept has done countless good deeds for their community. Help them get back into a building instead of waiting for stimulus money that may not happen.
With only one contributor to the rebuild fund, Firehouse Subs are in danger of having their taxes increased by this administration for being a profitable company and being community involved. More businesses need to step up and help the fire department and take the spot light off of Firehouse Subs.
the camera help firefighter to see true, but firefighter still have to go inside of building.
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