LCRA and Bandera Electric Cooperative representatives present a $17,200 grant to the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department for new fire protection gear and rescue tools. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Matthew Reusser, Center Point VFD president; Charles Holt, VFD fire chief; Sammy Burney, VFD assistant fire chief; Bruce Forey, BEC director of marketing and communication; Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; and Steve Dyer, LCRA Governmental Affairs representative.
The Center Point Volunteer Fire Department soon will have new, state-of-the-art rescue tools and personal protective equipment thanks to a $17,200 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bandera Electric Cooperative. The new tools will help Center Point VFD’s volunteer firefighters respond to emergencies throughout its 90-square-mile service territory.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $4,300 in local matching funds, will allow the department to purchase battery-operated Hurst Ram and StrongArm rescue tools. Center Point VFD President Matthew Reusser says the new tools will be much more portable and easier to use than the department’s current equipment.
“Our hydraulic rescue tools are about 10 years old and are very heavy,” Reusser says. “When someone is trapped in an automobile, seconds matter, and the lighter battery-powered tools will help us more quickly perform rescues and get the injured to medical care.”
Center Point VFD also will purchase 20 pairs of wildland fire-rated boots for firefighters, along with new fire protection goggles and face shields.
“Our firefighters have been wearing their own boots to fight wildland fires,” Reusser said. “The new boots and other protection gear will improve safety and help us provide the equipment our first responders deserve.”
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. Bandera Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and a partner in the grant program.
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
