LCRA awards $24,738 grant for emergency response equipment

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LCRA representatives present a $24,738 grant to the Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department for self-contained breathing apparatus units. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Clint McMath, firefighter; Beda Kent, firefighter; Travis Kent, training officer; Lori A. Berger, LCRA board member; James Janek, Bernardo VFD secretary/treasurer; Chris Pilsner, Bernardo VFD chief; Bradley Berger, Bernardo VFD president; Kristi Weyand, firefighter; Steve Jackson, firefighter; and Kate Holman, LCRA Governmental and Regional Affairs representative.

The Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) soon will purchase six sets of specialized breathing units firefighters use during fires and other emergencies, thanks to a $24,738 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The grant, along with more than $8,000 in local contributions, will allow the department to purchase six new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units to protect firefighter health and improve their safety during emergencies. The department’s current units will exceed their 10-year life expectancy at the end of this year. The new units will be fully compliant with current National Fire Protection Association standards.

“SCBA gear has proven to be an essential component in response and mitigation of almost any incident in today’s fire service, especially when responding to a firefighter emergency or ‘Mayday’ situation,” said Travis Kent, Bernardo VFD training officer. “This equipment will ensure that our department is in line with the current technology trends in fire service, so that we can better serve people in and outside of our community.”

Bernardo VFD offers fire protection to about 1,300 residents within an 84-square-mile radius in the eastern portion of Colorado County. This area includes the communities of Bernardo, Mentz and Frelsburg, as well as the cities of Columbus and Eagle Lake through mutual and automatic aid agreements. Due to its proximity to Austin County and Interstate 10, the department also provides mutual aid to fire departments in Cat Spring and Sealy.

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 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 are due Jan. 31. 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; ensuring 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

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