Firehouse Subs donates life-saving equipment to fire departments

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated lifesaving equipment to two suburban fire departments Wednesday during a ceremony at the Firehouse Subs restaurant in Vernon Hills.

More than $25,000 worth of equipment was awarded to the Palatine Fire Department and the Countryside Fire Protection District.

"Countryside Fire Protection District was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Firehouse Subs foundation. We're really excited to receive a $7,750 thermal-imaging camera, which helps firefighters search through smoke and rescue victims and find hot spots," Countryside Chief Jeff Steingart said.

Palatine Fire Department received a utility terrain vehicle with emergency medical response equipment worth $18,077. The vehicle and equipment is designed to help first responders provide lifesaving assistance in rural areas or other areas impassable by traditional emergency vehicles.

"We are absolutely ecstatic. This is a godsend. That is a piece of equipment that we couldn't afford on our own. It's going to have a lot of value to the community and going to have a lot of value to our guys," Deputy Chief Patrick Gratzianna said.

Also Wednesday, wounded Marine Cpl. Noah Currier of Marengo received an all-terrain wheelchair worth $14,000 through the apparel company Oscar Mike. The chair will allow Currier to participate in outdoor recreation.