CARTERVILLE, Mo. — The Carterville Volunteer Fire Department has received a $39,843 grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to purchase nine sets of firefighter bunker gear.
The grant will replace turnout gear that the department says is outdated or nearing the end of its service life. The department said the new gear is intended to provide firefighters with updated protection against heat, flames and hazardous exposures.
Structural firefighting gear is subject to service-life limits. The grant announcement cites National Fire Protection Association Standard 1851, which recommends retiring structural firefighting gear after 10 years because of reduced protective performance.
Steven Williams, assistant fire chief of the Carterville Volunteer Fire Department, credited the foundation and its Joplin restaurant with helping the department obtain the equipment.
“We are extremely grateful to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and our local Firehouse Subs® restaurant in Joplin for this vital support,” Williams said. “Having reliable, up-to-date equipment enhances our ability to protect lives and better serve our community.”
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was established in 2005 to support first responders and public safety organizations. According to the foundation, it has awarded more than 7,300 grants totaling more than $112 million since its founding.
The foundation supports lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships, continuing education and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans.
More information about the foundation is available at FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
