Papa John's owner Bart Brown explained to the members of the board of directors that were present that Papa John's takes a serious interest in the communities where their stores are located and always try to do whatever they can to help out organizations such as ours in purchasing much needed equipment.

 

Mr. Keith Faulken with Fireman's Fund Insurance explained to the audience how they partner with Papa John's and make grants to different fire departments around the country.

The grant package is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman's Fund Insurance Company. The program is designed to provide needed equipment, training, and educational tools to local fire departments.

 

Fireman's Fund over the past 5 years has issued grants to over 1,000 different departments totaling more than $21 million dollars. Local Papa John’s owners Bart Brown and Doug Dortch, along with Teri Newman and Keith Ahern of the franchise, Brown and Dortch, LLC., helped identify our department for this specific grant.

Sandy Downs who is with Papa John's Risk Services Corporation said that they were honored to award this important grant to the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department.

The grant will be used to purchase a thermal imaging camera which will be used for rescues and will help in reducing property damage on fires. This handheld camera uses updated technology to enable firefighters to "see" through smoke and darkness to help rescue victims in a fire. Firefighters can also use the camera to locate hot spots inside walls and extinguish them before they spread.

The members of the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department would like to express our sincere thanks to both the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company and our good neighbors Papa John's Pizza for this grant that will ultimately help keep our community safer.