New life-saving defibrillator donated to Amarillo College Police Department

The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, which provides life-saving equipment to first responders and public safety organizations, recently allocated 236 AEDs to the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

The FOP distributed the devices nationwide through its vast network, and 13 of the AEDs made their way to Texas, according to AC Police Chief Stephanie Birkenfeld.

“We received ours through FOP Lodge 57, located in Potter County,” Birkenfeld said. “We are so thankful to receive a gift that can help us save lives and ensure that our community is better prepared for medical emergencies.”

An AED is a portable electronic device capable of cardiac diagnostics and emergency treatment through the application of electricity.

The latest acquisition gives the AC Police Department a total of four mobile AEDs, one for each of the Amarillo campuses its officers patrol. All AC police officers are trained in the use of AEDs.

Birkenfeld, who approximates the value of the new AED at $1,200, says its arrival coincides with other emergency-preparedness efforts recently undertaken at AC, such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) training completed earlier this year by members of the AC President’s Cabinet and AC’s Emergency Management Team.