APS, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Continue Partnership to Support Arizona First Responders

PHOENIX, July 26 -- Arizona Public Service issued the following news release:

In an effort to provide much needed equipment to police and fire departments across Arizona, APS once again has donated $50,000 to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. Since 2014, APS has contributed $150,000 to the Foundation with funds benefiting first responders throughout APS's service territory.

"At APS, we have a long history of supporting the work of Arizona's first responders," said Don Brandt, APS Chairman, President and CEO. "Our partnership with Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation puts life-saving safety equipment in the hands of firefighters and police officers who need it most, enabling them to keep our communities safe, while also protecting their own health and safety."

In 2016, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation distributed more than $120,000 to Coolidge Police Department, City of Scottsdale Fire Department, Central Yavapai Fire District, Groom Creek Fire District, Morristown Fire Department and Black Canyon Fire District. Funding was used to purchase items like automated external defibrillators, self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs), and basic fire equipment like boots, helmets, fire hoses and chainsaws.

The impact of these gifts for Arizona first responders has been immediate, helping meet critical needs of various police and fire departments, both large and small.

"We are a small, rural department that has struggled with recent budget cuts and increased costs of health care and supplies for the past several years," said Lacey Sorensen of Circle City-Morristown Fire Department. "It's very hard to make ends meet and be able to keep the appropriate manpower and equipment necessary to keep our community safe. The grant awarded us with much needed hand tools, chainsaws, hoses and nozzles. These items were used to replace and update equipment. We appreciate the support in helping us help others!"

The Scottsdale Fire Department used their gift to acquire self-contained breathing apparatuses. "The lightweight apparatuses help protect the health and safety of our fire investigators, enabling them to enter a fire scene quickly and have peace of mind while doing their job," said Scottsdale Fire Department Battalion Chief Kerry Swick. "As a result of the grant we received, our team is safely protected from harm while conducting their investigations."

The Central Yavapai Fire District was able to purchase gas meters with their grant. "The three gas meters are some of the most important tools our crews use to determine if conditions inside or outside a structure are safe," said Brad Davis, Central Yavapai Fire District's Battalion Chief/Paramedic. "The meters get used frequently and help us effectively evacuate civilians and keep our responders safe during a hazmat situation."

Meghan Vargas, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Senior Manager of Foundation Development, said the Foundation's and APS's commitment to first responders in Arizona brought the two organizations together. "We share a common bond - a love for those who put their lives on the line to save ours. We're truly grateful to APS for making such an investment in their community's safety, which allows us to continue giving back to our hometown heroes."

Applications for 2017 are now being accepted, and departments in the APS service territory are encouraged to apply at FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.

About Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

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 granted more than $25 million to hometown heroes in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, including more than $813,000 in Arizona.

About APS

APS serves about 2.7 million people in 11 of Arizona's 15 counties, and is the Southwest's foremost producer of clean, safe and reliable electricity. Using a balanced energy mix that is nearly 50 percent carbon-free, APS has one of the country's cleanest energy portfolios, including both Palo Verde Generating Station and renewable energy. The company is also a proven leader in introducing technology and services that offer customers choice and control over their energy consumption. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).​