The Meridian Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, a fraternity for law enforcement, gave the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department an Automated External Defibrillator on Monday as part of a national grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. 

AEDs measure heart rhythm and send shocks to the heart to treat sudden cardiac arrest. Since deputies often respond first to rural incidents, having AEDs is crucial, according the sheriff’s department. 

“Simply put, having an AED available will save lives,” LCSD Sheriff Billy Sollie said. “Our thanks go out to the FOP for creating this partnership that will have a direct positive impact on public safety.”

Firehouse Subs, a sandwich restaurant chain, established the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in 2005, aiming to provide funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first-responders and public safety organizations. The foundation has given more than $24 million in 46 states, according to a news release. 

Chuck Canterbury, the FOP national president, said in a statement that the $250,000 grant would help get 263 AEDs to law enforcement agencies across the country.