Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation saves lives with $300K donation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is awarding $300,000 worth of life-saving equipment to 16 public safety entities throughout northeast Florida and southeast Georgia on Tuesday.

A news conference was set to be held at the Firehouse Subs restaurant at 13470 Beach Blvd. at 4 p.m.

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Attendees will include grant recipients Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Fire Chief Martin Senterfitt.

Guests will include Mayor Alvin Brown, representatives from all 16 public safety entities, actor Bill Murray and Andy Murray. Firehouse Subs attendees include founders Chris and Robin Sorensen, partner Stephen Joost, and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters.

"It is a complete privilege to make a donation in our hometown and surrounding cities," said Robin Sorensen, who co-founded Firehouse Subs and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with his brother Chris. "There's no question our foundation saves lives, and we thank our customers, franchisees, employees, vendors, friends and family for their support to make this donation possible."

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first responders and public safety organizations. The Foundation has given more than $5.2 million to hometown heroes, including $1,148,300 in the state of Florida and $450,100 in the Jacksonville area.

A day-of fundraising initiative was being held Tuesday where all Jacksonville Firehouse Subs restaurants will participate in a "round up" match program. Guests can round up their bill to the nearest dollar to benefit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, and founders Chris and Robin Sorensen will match all funds raised by the program on Tuesday only.

In addition to local restaurant initiatives, the Foundation also benefits from funds raised at Firehouse Subs' Annual Men's Double Tennis Tournament and The Annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament.

The following public safety entities are receiving funds:

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, St. Augustine-St. Johns County Airport Authority, St. Johns County Fire Rescue, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Clay County Sheriff's Office, Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue Department, City of Lake City Police, City of Lake City Fire Department, Gainesville Police Department, Jacksonville Beach Police Department, Orange Park Fire Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, City of Brunswick Police Department, City of Macclenny Fire Rescue, and Alma Bacon County Fire/EMS.