The Upper Captiva Fire & Rescue District is better equipped to keep all community members safe thanks to a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The $21,408.00 grant was used to purchase two (2) sets of the latest generation night vision equipment, fulfilling a critical need within the department and community. Only 102 grants were awarded nationally this year from Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation.  This grant is 100% funded by the Foundation and required no matching funds or ongoing costs to the District. The equipment was just recently received, and training of staff on proper use is in progress.

The two pairs of night vision goggles will be used to provide safer and more effective response both on land and waterways that surround our community.  Given the remote nature of North Captiva Island, the ability to see in the dark will help District emergency responders locate and identify people or fire threats even in the darkness of our more remote areas and state lands. Further, being able to see obstacles and other boating traffic at night is critical to guide the Districts watercraft as they complete emergency transport of island patients to Pineland Marina for ambulance transfers. Once these goggles are received and internal training for the firefighters has been completed, our District will be the only department in Lee County presently equipped to operate in zero light conditions on island and on the water.

Dan Redolphy, owner of Firehouse Sub locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, has been instrumental in helping to obtain this equipment for the District. In fact, this is the second time he has done so. The first time was with Chief Kinniry in obtaining a FLIR optic for use in 2015. The grant was one of 102 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation awarded to public safety organizations across the country during the most recent grant application period. The 102 grants total more than $2.1 million.

The District is very excited to have this powerful new tool available to help more effectively serve the island community!