SASKATOON—Three fire departments received new equipment as part of an over $75,000 grant made by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada on Thursday, July 17, at the restaurant’s branch in the city of Warman.
The Warman Fire and Rescue, Rosthern Fire and Rescue, and Birch Hills Fire and Rescue were the grant’s recipients. Warman is about 25 minutes north of Saskatoon, and Rosthern is 69 kilometres further. The town of Birch Hills is less than a two-hour drive from Saskatoon.
The equipment provided to the three fire departments will enhance their respective firefighting and rescue services within their communities, enabling them to respond to a variety of emergencies.
Warman Fire and Rescue received a Holmatro mini cutter and two strut stabilization kits, along with accessories, worth $14,363. Rosthern Fire and Rescue, a volunteer-run FD, has a new TNT spreader, cutter, ram, and its extension kit, worth $39,060.
The grant of $22,406-worth of equipment is a big deal to Birch Hill Fire and Rescue, another volunteer-run FD. They now have a new Holmatro telescopic ram PTR50 accessories, which will significantly help their vehicle extraction situations.
Warman Fire and Rescue Chief Russ Austin, Rosthern Fire and Rescue Interim Fire Chief, and Rosthern Mayor Dennis Helmuth thanked the Firehouse Subs’ foundation for their efforts to support the country’s FDs, whether in cities or small towns, to keep their respective communities safer.
“When a fire department responds to an emergency, every second counts. With the funds provided by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada, we’ve been able to purchase lifesaving equipment that makes a real difference and will save lives,” said Austin.
“Their generous grant will help us equip Rosthern Fire and Rescue with vital lifesaving rescue tools. Their support truly makes a difference in how we serve and protect our community and the surrounding areas,” added Deptuck.
Helmuth said they were delighted that Rosthern was one of those selected to receive the grant, a gift that town residents greatly appreciated, as it provides their fire and rescue crews with the necessary equipment to assist motorists travelling within their region in case of emergencies.
“We always hope for safe travels. More importantly, we know that when required, it will provide our first responders crucial, safe and dependable lifesaving equipment for people requiring emergency care in traumatic situations,” said Helmuth.
Firehouse Subs Foundation Canada Executive Director Robin Peters said the organization is committed to providing first responders in the three communities the best tools possible to safely and effectively perform their duties of saving people.
Firehouse Subs Warman branch owner Janna Dutton said they have had firsthand experience with the lifesaving value of first responders having the proper equipment when dealing with life-threatening emergencies.
“Earlier this year, one of our staff members was involved in a devastating car accident. First responders arrived and used their extrication tools to rescue him. We’re so grateful that he’s safe and proud that we’re able to help equip the incredible first responders in our community,” said Dutton.
Firehouse Subs’ foundation has raised over $5 million across the country to support the lifesaving capabilities of local fire and rescue heroes in Canada, as they serve their communities.
