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The Florala Fire Department recently received a $36,130 grant from Firehouse Subs’ Public Safety Foundation toward the purchase of a new Rescue One boat.

According to officials with the Florala Fire Department, the boat will fulfill a critical need within the city and county.

“Thank you to the Foundation, our local Firehouse Subs restaurant in Andalusia, and the generous donors for your valuable support. With the Rescue One Boat, we will be able to aid the City of Florala during high volume of tourist and boaters that come to our beautiful Lake Jackson. We will be able to standby for the Military Rangers training, boat racing, and more. We will also be able to aid Covington County if needed for Search and Rescue on any bodies of water in the county. Without Firehouse Subs and the Firehouse Public Safety Foundation, none of this would have been possible,” a Florala Fire Department release said.

The department also thanked Jeff McVay from Coastal Resolution and Brandon Holland for JB Signs and Designs for their contributions.

Toka Jackson recognized Firehouse Subs customers for rounding up on their tickets and making donations to the foundation.

“This is what the donations have done for our community here in Covington County. This could not have been possible without all of you. We are so proud to be a part of such a wonderful community,” Jackson said.

Firehouse Subs’ Public Safety Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It was founded in 2005 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when Firehouse Subs founders Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen traveled to Mississippi and fed first responders and survivors.

The foundation funds areas such as lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, disaster relief, and support for members of the military. Commonly requested equipment includes automated external defibrillators, bunker gear, thermal imaging cameras, vehicle extrication tools, automated chest compression systems, stabilization struts, rapid response bicycles, bulletproof vests, all-terrain vehicles, gas detectors, self-contained breathing apparatuses, bunker coats and pants, helmets, flashlights, and police bicycles.

For more information call Firehouse Subs in Andalusia at 334-881-7827 or the Florala Fire Department at 334-858-5884.