Huntsville General Committee approves application to the Firehouse Subs Grant
Huntsville General Committee approved an application to the Firehouse Subs - Public Safety Foundation Grant for the Fire Department, in the January 29, 2025, meeting.
According to the staff report, the Foundation is opening applications for it’s spring intake for grants up to $50,000.
The Foundation was established in 2005 after hurricane Katrina. Founders, Chris and Robin Sorensen, went to Mississippi to provide food for survivors and fire fighters, and started the foundation upon returning home.
Fire Department staff requested approval to submit the application for replacement of water rescue equipment not on the 2025 Capital Plan, including 20 dry suits, accessories, rope, and rope bags.
The equipment is already slated for replacement over the next few years, however, in his report, Fire Chief, Gary Monahan, indicated, “The opportunity to replace and add additional equipment would greatly enhance rescue times, enabling each station to act independently without waiting for assistance from other stations. This is crucial in water emergencies where every second counts.”
The Chief added that the equipment would also help the department meet provincial government requirements “by having members certified in water rescue by 2028.”
His report adds that currently the department is using equipment from other stations to provide training in water rescue, leaving them without.
It continues that the Ice Commander Suits they’re using are also one size fits all, which can cause restrictions, thus impairing rescue performance. Whereas the new equipment made with current technology addresses safety concerns more effectively and “enables the addition of future swift water rescue services.”
His report also indicates that if the grant is approved the items will be included as “replacement items” in the Capital Asset Plan moving forward, “increasing the contributions for Fire from the levy commencing 2025.”
It explains that the 2025 Capital Budget allotted $9,000 to replace some water equipment. “If approved any additional water rescue equipment purchased with the grant would be placed in the Town’s Asset Management Plan for replacement on a 10-year cycle.”
Monahan expressed appreciation that the Fire Sub business, being new to the Town, offers grants to emergency services within a specific radius, which “is a bonus for the Town.”
Deputy Mayor, Dan Armour, inquired about whether this would be a joint application with Lake of Bays.
Monahan advised that Lake of Bays already received $49,000 from a prior application.
