Fraternal Order of Police presents AED to Sheriff’s Office

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At its regular monthly last week, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 10 leadership team presented Anderson County Sheriff Chad McBride with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through a Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant. The AED will be placed in a road patrol deputy’s vehicle.
AEDs are devices that measure heart rhythm and can send a shock to the heart in order to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
Law enforcement officers are often the first to arrive on a scene, especially in rural areas, and these devices are becoming more and more important for emergency response. FOP Lodge 10 president, Bob Ayers said, “This AED will help a Sheriff’s Deputy render life-saving medical care until more advanced life support providers arrive.”
“We are extremely thankful for our partnership with the FOP and the positive impact they make on public safety through this type of donation,” Sheriff McBride said. “Lifesaving tools, like this AED in a deputy vehicle, will definitely provide essential care to potentially save a life.”
In 2005, the Firehouse Subs founders established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment, and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has given more than $24 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada.
FOP National President, Chuck Canterbury, said that the $250,000 grant from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation will help get 263 AEDs into the hands of law enforcement officers across the country.
“We’re pleased and proud to establish partnership with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation,” Canterbury said. “While police and firefighters like to joke with each other, everyone is committed to saving lives and that’s just what this program will do.”
The Sheriff’s Office currently has 17 AED units in use across its various units and divisions.
The FOP distributed the AEDs to state lodges that worked with local law enforcement to identify areas with the greatest need for life-saving equipment. Learn more about the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation at www.FirehouseSubsFoundation.org and about the FOP at www.FOP.net.