LCRA representatives present a $3,000 grant to the Menard Volunteer Fire Department for new uniforms. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are Beau Tipton, Menard VFD vice president; Jeremy Estep, Menard VFD board member; Jeff Whitson, fire captain; Martha Leigh Whitten, LCRA Board member; Richard Cordes, Menard County judge; and Steve Dyer, LCRA Governmental Affairs representative.
The Menard Volunteer Fire Department will receive new uniforms for use in responding to wildland fires and motor vehicle accidents thanks to a $3,000 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant will enable the department to purchase 12 sets of coveralls and gloves that are flame resistant and meet wildland firefighting protective equipment standards. Other donations will allow the department to purchase three additional sets of coveralls and gloves.
Fire Chief Tyler Wagner said wildland fires in the area are getting tougher to fight and are increasing in intensity. The department does not currently have operational personal protective equipment approved for this use.
“The ultimate benefit of this gear is to make each firefighter safer,” Wagner said. “With these new uniforms, firefighters will be safer and can provide an extra level of care to the community.”
Menard Volunteer Fire Department is the only emergency first responder in Menard County with specialized motor vehicle extrication capabilities. The new protective equipment will be carried to motor vehicle accidents and other emergency calls 24/7 to enable quicker, safer responses in Menard, Hext, Fort McKavett and surrounding communities requesting mutual aid assistance.
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-July 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; 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
