CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Cheyenne Fire Rescue is now equipped with a utility terrain vehicle and snowplow following a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, or FHSPSF.
The vehicle will allow firefighters to conduct fires and rescue operations in compact areas that can’t otherwise be accessed with a truck, according to CFR Lt. Ryan Anderson. CFR provides services for the city and the greater Cheyenne Greenway, a 39-mile area that has limited access for larger emergency vehicles, especially during inclement weather. A plow can be attached to the vehicle during the winter months to clear paths for the crew.
“We can run [the vehicle] down the Greenway, pick up a jogger that maybe sprained their ankle, hurt themselves,” Anderson said. “If there is a fire along the Greenway, we can take this right along there and have good access to it.”
The $31,160 grant was raised by the local Firehouse Subs restaurant at 3901 E. Pershing Blvd., along with funds from the chain’s foundation. The Cheyenne location opened in June 2022 and is owned by Air Force Veteran Stuart Music and Amanda Music.
Firehouse Subs corporate is based in Jacksonville, Florida, and was established in 1994 by former firefighters. The company has more than 1,200 franchises in 46 states. Its namesake foundation is a nonprofit that provides lifesaving equipment, prevention education, scholarships and continued education and disaster relief for first responders and public safety organizations, as well as support for military veterans. Since its creation, the foundation has awarded more than $77 million to hometown heroes in 50 states plus Puerto Rico, according to a press release.
Local first responders can apply for a grant with their request through FHSPSF. This is the foundation’s first grant award in Wyoming, according to Meghan Vargas, manager of foundation development at FHSPSF. The vehicle will make its debut at Frontier Park during Cheyenne Frontier Days, which begins July 21.
Most of the donations come from Cheyenne’s Firehouse Subs customers who round up their meal on the bill, put cash in canisters near the cashier or purchase the restaurant’s empty Pickle buckets, said owner Stuart Music. Last year, the location raised $35,000 and this year is on its way to raise between $60,000 and $70,000 for the community.
“We’re so excited we’re able to turn that money and put it right back to the community with that foundation’s help,” Music said.
Like Music, Anderson said the CFR department is touched by the community’s efforts.
“It’s awesome, the community support is fantastic,” he said. “Mr. Music was a vocal component for us the whole time. He’s fantastic to work with and every step of the way he was the biggest cheerleader to help make sure this was successful.”
