LCRA representatives present a $23,173 grant to the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department to purchase hydraulic extrication tools. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Steve Dyer, LCRA Governmental Affairs representative; Tim Lehmberg, Gillespie County Emergency Operations Center manager; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member, holding grandson, Milam Berger; Dennis Neffendorf, Gillespie County commissioner; Thomas Michael Martine, LCRA Board vice chair; Chad Ottmers, Stonewall VFD captain; Greg Simms, Stonewall VFD fire chief; Dennis Phillips, EMT; Nick Hopkins, Stonewall VFD president; Ricky Priess, Stonewall VFD vice president; and Kim Hopkins, Stonewall VFD member.
The Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department is able to purchase a new set of hydraulic extrication tools, or Jaws of Life, thanks to a $23,173 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The new tools will allow Stonewall VFD to more quickly extract victims from life-threatening situations and get them to medical care.
Stonewall VFD Fire Chief Greg Simms said the new extrication tools are imperative to the department fulfilling its mission to get patients the care they need. He noted the tools are needed to breach the stronger metal used in newer car models.
“We serve one of the most dangerous sections of Highway 290 in regards to automobile accidents,” Simms said. “Thanks to this grant, we will be able to purchase the newest, state-of-the-art extrication tools and enhance our ability to serve the people and visitors of our community.”
Stonewall VFD’s service area is rapidly growing, and weekend tourists can triple the population as they travel to Gillespie County along Highway 290, increasing the need for the department’s services.
The community grant is awarded through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which 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 Jan. 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 access to nature at more than 40 parks, recreation areas and river access sites along the Texas Colorado River, from the 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
