LCRA representatives present an $18,124 grant to the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department to purchase battery-powered Jaws of Life. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Michael L. “Mike” Allen, LCRA Board member; Susan Patten, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Danny Stone, fire chief; George W. Russell, LCRA Board member; Jayden Foster, Earl Foster’s grandson; Nancy Eckert Yeary, LCRA Board member; Joey Whittenburg, assistant fire chief; and Earl Foster, Lakeway Municipal Utility District general manager and CDPP review committee member.
KINGSLAND, Texas – The Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department now can purchase a new set of extrication tools, or Jaws of Life, thanks to an $18,124 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $5,000 in matching contributions from Kingsland VFD, will help the fire department extricate accident victims and get them medical care more quickly.
Kingsland VFD Fire Chief Danny Stone said the new tools will be battery-powered, replacing 34-year-old hydraulic equipment that lacks the dependability the department needs to serve the Llano County community. The old equipment, while still functioning, has become less reliable. Time is important in emergencies, and any delay could be critical, Stone said.
“We have the oldest Jaws of Life in the county, and we respond to fire, rescue and EMS calls for a large portion of Llano County,” Stone said. “If any part of our current equipment gives us problems, it slows down our ability to respond quickly.”
The grant will help the department purchase the Jaws of Life, a cutter, spreader, rechargeable batteries and battery charger. Stone said the battery-powered model has proven more effective than their existing hydraulic model, which requires a gasoline-powered pump to supply power to the Jaws of Life through a series of hoses.
“We’re very excited and grateful to get the new equipment,” Stone said. “We have discussed replacing the old equipment for several years, but the department operates primarily on the generous donations of our community with a small annual contribution from Llano County. Without the grant, we would still be fundraising and now we’re able to buy the tools right away.”
The community grant is one of a number of grants recently awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. The program provides economic development and community assistance grants to cities, counties, volunteer fire departments, regional development councils and other nonprofit organizations in LCRA’s wholesale electric and water service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted July 1-31, 2019. More information is available at
lcra.org/cdpp.
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to enhancing the lives of Texans through water stewardship, energy and community services. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934. For more information, visit
lcra.org.
Media Contact
Clara Tuma
512–578–3292
clara.tuma@lcra.org
Source: LCRA Business News
