GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Clay County Fire Rescue has new gear, thanks to a generous donation made Thursday.
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation presented a check for the new equipment to the assistant fire chief before the Pond Charity Golf Classic in Green Cove Springs.
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"If Andy and I can somehow -- through drinking hard and playing golf -- support our community, we will throw ourselves in front of that train," said Joel Murray of Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity.
Thursday's golf event kicked off the 15th annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament, which benefits the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which helps local firefighters and first responders.
"He mentioned about playing today, (and) I said it's a no-brainer," Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee said.
"Firefighters go out every day and risk their lives for us."
The foundation donated seven sets of gear to Clay County Fire Rescue, which include protective clothing, helmets, boots, gloves and other protective tools.
"It was important for us to get new gear for our volunteer firefighters," Deputy Fire Chief Richard Knoff said. "Everyone struggles with being able to buy new gear. Firehouse (Subs) was able to provide us with seven sets at a cost of over $26,000, and we are very appreciative of their efforts."
Many first responders make do with older equipment and have limited or no access to the important resources.
"Most fire departments and police have the basic gear," said Robin Sorenson, co-founder of Firehouse Subs. "Some of them don't, but as you said, it gets out of date, so it's really great timing."
Anyone who wants to donate to the Firehouse Subs foundation can buy a 5-gallon pickle bucket at any Firehouse Subs location. The proceeds from those sales go toward the foundation.
Patrons can also choose to round up their bills to the nearest dollar to donate that extra change to the foundation, and they can donate change in canisters at the sub shops.
To find the nearest Firehouse Subs location, go to firehousesubs.com.