'Johnny Meatball' Feeds Gig Harbor Firefighters Giant Subs

GIG HARBOR, WA - A group of Gig Harbor firefighters got a nice treat from a local culinary whiz on Wednesday night. John Duefrane - known as "Johnny Meatball" - stopped by Gig Harbor's Station 51 and served some enormous meatball subs, according to the department. Duefrane, who lives in Kitsap County, has made it his work to feed hungry firefighters and paramedics with giant meatball subs.

"Last night 'Johnny Meatball' stopped by Station 51 B-shift and gave the crew a meal that won't soon forget. Check it out! The amazing part is all 6 B-shifter's ate the whole thing and a few of the crew even had room for dessert," the department wrote on its Facebook page.

According to a profile of Duefrane by KING 5, the meatball master was inspired to give back to firefighters after witnessing them in action. In 2014, he saw them save a man and a woman who were trapped inside a car.

Ever since, Johnny Meatball has been serving giant meatball subs to area firefighters and paramedics as a way to thank them.

Amazingly, Duefrane told KING 5 that, of the hundreds of subs he's served, only "30 to 40" firefighters have been able to finish the giant sandwiches. That means Gig Harbor firefighters are among the most elite meatball-eaters in the state.

Images via Gig Harbor fire