Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated $14,000 to the Brundidge Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of an all-terrain vehicle that will increase rescue capabilities in response to off-road incidents.

The 4×4 Diesel Kubota ATV was the center of attention Wednesday when Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation representatives and BVFD firefighters and city officials gathered at Firehouse Subs in Troy.

Glen Adkins, BVFD chief, expressed appreciation to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for the generous donation.

“An ATV is a piece of equipment that our department has needed and wanted for a long time,” Adkins said. “Our firefighters respond to forest fires in a wide area and a lot of those fires are difficult to get to. With this ATV, now we will be able to reach those fires. The City of Brundidge has purchased a skidder for the ATV. We’ll put a water tank on it that will be a big benefit to us when we are fighting fires in places we can’t get to on the truck.”

Adkins said the ATV also will be a valuable piece of equipment in search and rescue operations.

“We don’t have a lot of those but they do happen,” he said. “We really appreciate this donation from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. We thank all of those who participate in Firehouse Subs fundraisers because they are part of this, too.”

Foundation representative David Conklin said Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005 with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations.

“Firehouse Subs has given more than $13 million to hometown heroes in 43 states and Puerto Rico, including more than $816,000 in Alabama,” Conklin said. “Other than Florida, Alabama has received the largest number of donations from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.”

Jackie Gubbins, Foundation programs manager, said Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation realizes that it is not always possible for fire departments to purchase the equipment they need.

“The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is dedicated to assisting fire departments with their needs through local fundraising initiatives, including the sell of pickle buckets, counter donations and the Round Up Program.”

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on the register counters explain the non-profit’s mission and collect spare change.

“The Round Up Program allows guests to ‘round up’ their bill to the nearest dollar,” said Rex Lewis, owner/manger of Troy Firehouse Subs. “Our cashiers are very good at reminding our guests about the Round-Up program. We greatly appreciate all of those who participate. Those donations make it possible to assist our local fire departments.”

All funds raised benefit the Foundation.