Hawkins Rescue Squad awarded $39K Firehouse Subs grant for equipment

The Hawkins County Rescue Squad is now equipped with a new rescue boat and accessories thanks to a hefty grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

HCRS received a RescueONE GEN3 Connector Boat with control console, diver/victim lift, light rack, Humminbird Helix Sonar, motor, trailer and accessories, valued at $39,690.

The rescue boat will allow HCRS to respond to water-related incidents within its coverage area and will be available for mutual aid response within Hawkins County, surrounding counties and region. HCRS members will be able to respond more quickly and have the necessary tools on board to perform rescue services efficiently and effectively.

The equipment also expands the capabilities of the services HCRS will be able to offer on waterways.

Local Firehouse Subs franchisee Jay Andrews will host an event to recognize the grant, and celebrate its recipient, on Friday, Sept. 6, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Firehouse Subs restaurant at 140 Hatfield Drive, Morristown.

The event will be an acknowledgement ceremony and official check presentation from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

To date, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded more than $86 million to hometown heroes throughout the United States.

The nonprofit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation was established in 2005. The charity provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans.

The foundation is listed as a four-star nonprofit organization, the highest designation, by Charity Navigator.

Grant allocations are made possible thanks to the support of Firehouse Subs restaurants and generous donors. More than 70% of the funds raised for the foundation come from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand.