Local business working to support emergency responders with donations
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IDAHO FALLS — An local business is doing its part to support emergency responders in eastern Idaho.
Earlier this month, PD Cares Inc., the philanthropic arm of Paul Davis Restoration, presented $12,000 in donations to first responders in Ammon, Idaho Falls and Pocatello.
The majority of the money was raised at the 9/11 Fallen Hero Tribute Run/Walk in Idaho Falls on Sept 12. PD Cares organized the event and partnered with more than two dozen community sponsors to raise the funds for local responders. Some 145 residents ran in the event and 75 people walked.
The Fallen Hero Tribute made it possible for PD Cares to give $4,000 a piece to the Idaho Fallen Firefighter Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police/Domestic Violence Assault Center, and East Idaho F.O.O.L.S (Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society). PD Cares presented checks to local firehouses on Feb. 8 and 9.
“We are very grateful to be apart of the 9/11 Fallen Hero Tribute,” Idaho Falls Fire Department Division Chief Jeff Parsons told EastIdahoNews.com. “The $4,000 donated to us was put in the bank for future use (and) $1,200 was used to hire a speaker, John Norman, to come in to the Eastern Idaho Fire Academy.”
Parsons said it is an honor to be able to bring such a distinguished firefighting veteran to east Idaho this summer. John Norman, a 40-year veteran, served as Deputy Assistant Chief, Special Operations Command (SOC) for the New York City Fire Department until his retirement in 2007. He served as the Search and Rescue Manager for the World Trade Center attack, and held a key role in rebuilding the department in the following years.
Several local first responders thanked PD Cares on social media. “We greatly appreciate your shared commitment to a safe community,” the Idaho Falls Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center posted on Facebook. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office said “Thank you so very much for the contribution and continuing to better our community.”
PD Cares was created following the major flooding in Rexburg in July 2014. At the time, Paul Davis Restoration donated $25,000 of worth of drying services to those affected by the torrential downpour. Paul Davis Restoration also was highlighted in Idaho Falls Magazine for taking part in re-building a home for a family left living in a camp trailer after a house fire in September 2007.
Owner Garrett Meikle said PD Cares’ mission is to build a sense of community and common purpose throughout the region along with professional organizations. Paul Davis Restoration, being the back bone to the foundation, regularly goes out of their way to help the local fire fighters, he said.
One example is that Paul Davis Restoration washes turn out gear for many local fire departments for free. Turn out gear is fire proof clothing warn by firefighters. Smoke and soot from fires can’t effectively be washed out in conventional washing machines. It costs about $400 a load, which provides about $10,000 per year in value to local fire departments, Meikle said.
“Its a great resource to us, their help saves us (and) saves tax payers lots of money,” Idaho Falls Fire Chief Dave Hanneman told EastIdahoNews.com
Meikle said it is important for local communities and businesses to support to first responders with events like the 9/11 Fallen Hero Tribute Run/Walk
“We hope it grows every year, we love being a part of the community. Most of all, we enjoy serving those who serve all of us,” Meikle said.
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