OPFD Receives Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® Grant
Published on March 20, 2026
As first responders continue serving the Village of Oak Park, it is essential that the fire department has the tools needed to respond effectively in emergencies. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® has recognized this need and recently awarded the department a nearly $32,000 grant to purchase a Solo Rescue Decon Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Washer and accessories.
The grant was presented to the Oak Park Fire Department during a ceremony on March 20 at Station 1.
Designed as a healthier way to decontaminate SCBA and other protective gear from hazardous toxins and carcinogens, the Solo Rescue Decon Washer is the quickest and safest way to clean contaminated SCBAs, facepieces, helmets, boots and gloves. Using the machine to decontaminate equipment, firefighters’ contact with hazardous substances and particles is minimized. The machine saves time by quickly decontaminating equipment in as little as three to eight minutes, compared to hand cleaning equipment which can take up to 30 minutes. This machine has the capacity to clean up to 14 SCBAs, 56 facepieces, 21 helmets, 60 boots and 120 pairs of gloves per hour.
“We are extremely grateful to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation and the great people from our local Firehouse Subs® restaurant in nearby Stone Park for this vital support of our department,” said Oak Park Fire Chief JT Terry. “Having reliable, up-to-date equipment enhances our ability to stay safe as we protect lives and better serve our community. This equipment will enable us work toward our goals of improving the overall health and wellness of our dedicated firefighters and paramedics on a daily basis.”
"The health and safety of our Oak Park firefighter/paramedics is a top priority for the Village,” said Village President Vicki Scaman. “These extremely dedicated men and women put themselves on the line every day to protect our residents, and we owe it to them to provide the best possible support and equipment. To that end, we are deeply grateful to the Firehouse Subs® Public Safety Foundation for this generous grant because it will make a real difference in keeping our first responders even safer as they serve our community."
For more than 20 years, charitable donations have powered the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation’s mission to support first responders and public safety organizations nationwide. Since 2005, the Foundation has awarded more than 7,100 grants totaling over $105 million to public safety organizations.
To learn more or support the mission, visit any Firehouse Subs restaurant or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website at FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
For more information about the Oak Park Fire Department, visit www.oak-park.us/fire or email fire@oak-park.us.
About Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® - Established in 2005 by the founders of Firehouse Subs®, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education, and disaster relief to first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $105 million to hometown heroes in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Support for Canadian first responders is provided through the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada®. The Foundation holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the organization’s highest designation. More than 70% of funds raised come directly from the generosity of Firehouse Subs guests and the restaurant brand.
About Oak Park - The Village of Oak Park, located just nine miles west of downtown Chicago, offers a distinctive urban/suburban lifestyle in a thriving, multi-cultural community. Well-known for progressive values, tree-lined streets and bustling business districts, Oak Park serves as an ideal place to live, work and play. As a longstanding community of choice, the Village benefits from convenient access to local and regional transit, high-quality public schools, and arts and cultural attractions, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio and his acclaimed Unity Temple, which was recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.