Firehouse Subs Foundation Grants $23k to Normal Police Department for AED devices

Photo provided by Normal Police Department

NORMAL, Ill. – The Firehouse Subs Foundation granted $23,000 to the Normal Police Department.  In this process, money was given to first responders for equipment, specifically AEDs for squad cars. The Firehouse Public Safety Foundation awards money to first responders for various projects. 

Chief of Police Steve Petrilli talked about the competitive grant process and the timeline for replacing the AEDs.

Petrilli says, “The Normal Police Department was aware that we had a costly AED replacement with our 21 AEDs that we deploy in our patrol cars. So, to offset some of the cost we thought it was important to apply for a grant.”  

Petrilli talks about the timeline of the replacement of the AEDs. 

He explains, “Generally with the AEDs, we see a general lifespan between seven to ten years before needing a replacement. The lifespan could be affected by temperatures outside because they are commonly found in vehicles.” 

The police department frequently checks maintenance issues and makes sure that the AED has running batteries and is properly working. 

He says, “When we receive a call or dispatch of somebody that is in cardiac arrest, a lot of the time the police will be the first to respond.”

The local Firehouse Subs in Bloomington invited the police department to their restaurant to accept the grant. The officers were able to meet the owners and learn more about Firehouse Subs and how it coincides with the Firehouse Public Safety Foundation. 

“It was really nice to meet them and to hold a ceremony for this grant,” Petrilli explains, “It’s nice to tell a good story and how we’re utilizing great charitable foundations out there that are supporting first responders and ultimately making our community a safe place to live.”