In the photo, front row, (left to right) - Fire Marshal William Matlock, Operations Chief Rick Boatwright, Fire Chief Phil Hyman, local Firehouse Subs franchise Co-Owner Tom Davidson, Assistant Chief Danny Hague, Lt. Eric Roddy and Assistant Chief Carlos Tibbs. On the fire boat (left to right) - FF Johannes Wagner, FFS Dale Aslinger, FFE Mark Jenkins and Deputy Chief Seth Miller.
Thanks to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, the Chattanooga Fire Department has received 140 personal flotation devices (PFDs). The Chattanooga Fire Department applied for the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation grant last year and has received an award of $19,922 to purchase the PFDs. They will replace the aging PFDs purchased years ago.
These PFDs will increase the probability of a safe water rescue and help avoid fatalities for both firefighters and citizens during water emergencies, officials said.
“Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has always been a big supporter of the Chattanooga Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Phil Hyman. “Flash floods are not uncommon for our area, and we have many outdoor events to cover on the water, so these PFDs will help us do our jobs in a safer manner.”
“We thank our donors for their contributions that help us provide these life-saving tools,” said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Executive Director Robin Peters. “Our first responders are heroes, and we want to be sure they have what they need to protect themselves, as well as their communities.”