From the press release:

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is awarding much needed equipment to the Buncombe Sheriff's Office at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011. The Buncombe Sheriff's Office benefits with 14 automated external defibrillators (AED), worth $17,927. The AEDs will allow the department to be prepared to provide life-saving assistance if a citizen goes into cardiac arrest. Since 2005, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has donated more than $160,893 to public safety entities in North Carolina.

Firehouse Subs is renowned for hearty, oversized portions and piping hot subs. The founders' 200-year firefighting heritage inspired the formation of the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides funding and support to public safety entities.

"Our local heroes need to be prepared at a moment's notice to protect and save lives," said David Flores, franchisee of the Arden Firehouse Subs location. "Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the support of our restaurants, is dedicated to equip, educate and fund first responders."

Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to customers for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the non-profit's mission and collect spare change.

The presentation takes place at the Firehouse Subs located at 100 Julian Lane in Arden, N.C. (I-26 Exit 37). Attendees to the event include local firefighters and their families, franchisee David Flores, Area Representative Tim Goss and Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation executive director Robin Peters.

In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the non-profit, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, with the mission to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to aid first-responders. Through the non-profit 501(c)(3), Firehouse Subs has given $2.6 million to hometown heroes, including fire and police departments and EMS organizations.