Two City of Columbia fire stations that serve the University of South Carolina received gifts of life-saving equipment in honor of seven students who died in a beach-house fire Oct. 28 in Ocean Isle, N.C. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation contributed “Jaws of Life” extrication equipment and thermal imaging cameras to Stations 2 and 9 in Columbia. The cameras use infrared technology to help firefighters and rescue workers “see” through smoke, fire and walls to find people and fire sources.

Charles and Judy Divita, owners of Firehouse Subs restaurants at the university and in Irmo and Lexington, said they contacted the company’s foundation after the fire. The couple’s own daughter, Ryan, a former University of South Carolina student, was burned in a 2003 automobile accident and spent six weeks in the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital in Augusta, Ga.

“It was our time to return the help that we received during our family’s crisis,” said Charles Divita. “Some day in the future, somebody’s life will be saved because of this equipment. These fire stations have resources they didn’t have before, and these resources will be put to good use.”

Jerry Brewer, the university’s associate vice president for student affairs, student life and development, said the donation will ensure the safety of others in the wake of the fire that claimed the lives of six Carolina students and a Clemson University student.

“At first you think, ‘What good can come of this?’ ” said Brewer, calling the past four months “an emotional roller coaster” for all affected by the fire. “Today, this donation will help ensure that all of us are safer.”

Leslie Coones, president of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and Brad Starbuck, president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, attended the service to accept plaques in memory of the Carolina students who died in the fire -- Justin Michael Anderson, Travis Lane Cale, Lauren Astrid Mahon, Cassidy Fae Pendley, William Robert Rhea and Allison Christine Walden.

Lisa Rhea, president of Clemson’s Delta Zeta sorority, accepted the plaque in memory of Clemson University student Emily Yelton.

Judy Divita said her daughter has recovered from her injuries and is teaching kindergarten in Florida.

“Your life can change in an instant,” she said. “We wanted to help, just as so many people helped us.”