Santee Fire Department Thanks Local Sub Shop for $20,000 in Grant Funds

SANTEE, CA – The Santee Fire Department has new life-saving equipment, thanks to grant funds from the Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation.

Fire officials showed their appreciation to the foundation with a static display of the equipment Friday, Dec. 16 next to the Firehouse Subs restaurant at 214 Town Center Parkway in Santee.

The display featured a thermal imaging camera and a vehicle stabilization kit that were purchased with $20,000 in grant funds from the foundation. The department’s new ladder truck was also on display.

The new thermal imaging camera, officials said, will aid firefighters in detecting fires hidden behind walls and ceilings. Officials said it will also expedite rescues in situations where the victims are obscured by smoke, darkness or a lack of visibility. The stabilization kit, officials said, is comprised of extendable struts used to hold a vehicle in place while rescuers are searching inside or under a vehicle that has tipped over during an accident.

"Both of these are state-of-the-art pieces of life safety equipment that will enable our firefighters to reach victims quicker and save lives," Battalion Chief Tim Stuber said in a statement.

The Firehouse Subs Safety Foundation has awarded more than $23 million to more than 2,600 organizations. Grants are awarded for life-saving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, support for members of the armed forces, and disaster preparedness and disaster relief.

"We are very excited about being able to assist your organization, and ultimately, improve the life-saving capabilities of your communities," foundation officials said in a statement.

Image via Santee Fire Department