Firehouse Subs gives grant to Mt. Prospect Fire Department

The Mount Prospect Fire Department has received a grant totaling nearly $22,000 from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.

Fire officials said the funds will be used to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to faith-based organizations in the Mount Prospect community. The sandwich chain, which was founded by firemen, has a location at 1 W. Rand Road in the Randhurst Crossing shopping center.

"We would like to thank Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and Ankit and Biren Patel of the Mount Prospect Firehouse Subs for their commitment to public safety and their generosity in awarding this grant to us," said Fire Chief John Malcolm.

The Mount Prospect Fire Department formed the partnership with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to address the need the department saw for quick access to AEDs for cardiac events that residents may experience at a service or event at a faith-based organization. An AED is a medical device that analyzes heart rhythm and, when needed, delivers an electric shock to try to restore normal heart rhythm. AEDs are highly effective at saving lives.

The grant will allow the department to supply 27 AEDs, AED cabinets and related supplies to faith-based organizations. In the coming weeks, the department will hold informational meetings for faith-based organizations to learn how to use and care for AEDs.