Firehouse Lights UK’s Fire

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2010) -- They rest quietly on the walls of nearly every building you enter, even many private homes, waiting for the unfortunate day they may be needed. You see them so frequently that you almost stop noticing them at all, even though they are painted a bright red. And, in spite of the fact that few people have ever been trained properly, most just assume they will know what to do when the time comes.

Experts will tell you, however, that using a fire extinguisher correctly and safely in an emergency requires a little training. Until recently, the University of Kentucky Fire Marshal Office did not have the latest equipment to properly train students, faculty and staff in this life-saving skill. Fortunately, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation rushed to the rescue.

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding and support to public safety entities, recently awarded a $16,246 grant to the UK Fire Marshal Office to buy the new BullsEye Digital Fire Extinguisher Trainer System.  A dedication ceremony is slated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, at the UK Student Center’s Worsham Theatre.

The training equipment consists of a digital screen that simulates flames and a laser penlight that simulates a fire extinguisher. If the trainee points the laser in the correct spot on the screen, the fire will be extinguished.

“One of the reasons I was so drawn to the Firehouse Subs concept was the idea that they give back to the local community so generously,” said Bob Conochalla, franchisee of the Lexington Firehouse Subs location. “We have been working on collecting spare change at the register and selling five-gallon pickle buckets to raise the money we needed, and we are fired up to help the University of Kentucky Fire Marshal Office.”

In 2005, Firehouse Subs restaurants created the nonprofit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with a mission to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first-responders. Firehouse Subs has given more than $2.2 million to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMT organizations.