(Hernando Beach, FL) In partnership with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) has placed in service its first Fire/Rescue Boat. HCFR provides Fire/Rescue services to Hernando County and its coastline, rivers and various bodies of water throughout the county. There are times when an emergency occurs on these bodies of water where our services are needed. In the past, Fire/Rescue personnel would have to either wait for the person to be brought to shore, be provided transportation to the emergency by state or local agency’s or have even been transported by privately owned vessels of good Samaritans that were willing to help. These options would then often cause delays in getting critical aid to the victim or victims. As many of these emergencies are typically medical in nature, any delays in getting to a patient are critical.
Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation sets aside a portion of their sales to be used to provide lifesaving equipment to first responders. Since the Foundation started, it has granted over $48 million by providing equipment, training, and support to hometown heroes. Deputy Chief James Billotte approached our local Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to see if any assistance would be available in helping HCFR with this challenge. Chief Billotte working with personnel at the Hernando Beach Fire Station, submitted a proposal for a 24’ Sea Ark Rescue Boat. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation reviewed and subsequently approved the grant request.
We are proud to announce that after several months of procurement and training of our personnel, Marine 6, housed at the HCFR Station #6 is now in service. This vessel will now allow our paramedics to respond to emergencies along our coastline, rivers, and lakes in as an expedient manner to provide emergency care to our community and its visitors.
On behalf of the citizens of Hernando County, Chief Scott Hechler and the men and women of HCFR would like to thank Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for their amazing support to first responders and the communities we serve.
