LCRA representatives present a $19,532 grant to the Garwood Volunteer Fire Department for the purchase of a new hydraulic stretcher. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right are: Lori A. Berger, LCRA Board member; Lisa Krenek, treasurer of the Garwood VFD; and Kate Holman, LCRA Regional Affairs representative.
COLORADO COUNTY, Texas – Thanks to a $19,532 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Garwood Volunteer Fire Department will soon purchase a new hydraulic stretcher to increase patient safety and lower the risk of back-related injuries among first responders.
The grant, along with a $4,883 matching contribution from the fire department, will pay for an upgraded Styker PowerPro stretcher that provides a comfortable and stable base when transporting patients during emergencies. The new stretcher will replace the department’s current model that crews have to manually lift.
“The new hydraulic stretcher is a much-needed tool of the trade for first responders,” said Lisa Krenek, department treasurer. “Many times it is just two of us on scene and it will allow us to move and transport our patients more safely while adding a layer of protection and safety for our medical crews.”
Garwood VFD provides 24/7 emergency service coverage for a population of 1,200 and serves as a backup for Colorado County Emergency Medical Services.
The grant allows the fire department to purchase the stretcher without using its reserve and operating funds. The department does not receive any Emergency Services District funds from taxpayers.
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, 2020. 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 outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas 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
