OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) _ A Maine fire department is now able to purchase more than a dozen new ballistic vests thanks to a national chain restaurant.
The Journal Tribune reports the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department will be able to purchase 20 new ballistic safety vests through a grant provided by the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The Town Council voted to accept the $24,000 grant last week.
The foundation and its grants are funded by a portion of sales at Firehouse Subs restaurants nationwide, as well as by donation.
Local firefighter Bill Young spearheaded a local fundraiser last year to purchase the vests which can protect firefighters against sharp weapons. Fire Chief Ed Dube previously said the department didn’t have the money to purchase the vests.
