LCRA representatives present a $12,620 grant from LCRA and the City of Goldthwaite to the Goldthwaite Volunteer Fire Department for new fire protection gear. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Amanda Wood, Central Texas Telephone Cooperative Inc. marketing manager; Martha Leigh Whitten, LCRA Board member; David Schwartz, Goldthwaite VFD fire chief; and Steve Dyer, LCRA Governmental Affairs representative.
The Goldthwaite Volunteer Fire Department soon will receive 25 new dual-purpose wildland and rescue uniforms, thanks to a $12,620 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Goldthwaite.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $3,155 in matching funds, will provide new lightweight uniforms that can be used in place of the heavier, traditional bunker gear typically worn while fighting fires. The new wildland and rescue uniforms will alleviate wear and tear on the more expensive bunker gear and give firefighters a more comfortable option in responding to certain calls.
The new uniforms are single-layer garments that provide durability and visibility in situations where heavier uniforms are not required.
“The new wildland and rescue uniforms are much safer for our firefighters,” said David Schwartz, Goldthwaite fire chief. “The material is reflective, highly visible and much lighter than what we currently use. To have some of the very best wildland gear available is a morale builder for our small crew, too. Our firefighters will wear their uniforms with pride.”
The Goldthwaite Volunteer Fire Department responds to 60 to 80 calls per year. The majority of the calls are requests for assistance in fighting wildfires or emergency rescues.
With new lighter-weight gear, firefighters also will be able to combat fires for longer periods before needing to take a break.
The Goldthwaite Volunteer Fire Department serves Mills County residents and communities in Brown, Coryell, Comanche, Hamilton, Lampasas and San Saba counties.
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. The City of Goldthwaite 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 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
