The Cuero Volunteer Fire Department will receive a thermal imaging camera for use during emergencies thanks to a $6,800 community development grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Cuero.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $1,700 in matching contributions, will allow the department to purchase a thermal imaging camera to detect body heat and hot spots within structures or on the scene of a motor vehicle accident.

First Assistant Fire Chief Brian Ladwig said the camera will help firefighters develop a more efficient plan of attack while fighting a fire.

“The thermal imaging camera can help us save time and money,” Ladwig said. “We will use the camera to shoot and look for hot spots that may be hiding behind walls, floors and ceilings.”

Nearly 20 years ago, the Cuero Volunteer Fire Department had a full roster of 60 volunteer firefighters. Today the department has 22 active volunteers who respond to emergency calls throughout DeWitt County, a community of nearly 18,000 residents. The new thermal imaging camera will enable quicker, safer responses for both area residents and the dedicated team of volunteers who serve them.

“We are excited to partner with LCRA because of the work they do,” Ladwig said. “LCRA crews use similar cameras to find hot spots on transmission lines. LCRA and the City of Cuero understand how important a thermal imaging camera can be to first responders.”

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 Cuero 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