LCRA awards $50,000 grant to Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department
New breathing equipment will help protect firefighters responding to emergencies
DEC.13, 2024
COLORADO COUNTY, Texas – The Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department is upgrading and adding new breathing equipment to its fleet of essential rescue gear, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, combined with $21,232 in matching funds from the VFD, enables the department to replace 10 outdated self-contained breathing apparatus systems and add 22 new compressed air cylinders, helping ensure that firefighters are equipped with the tools needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies. By taking advantage of a limited-time promotion from vendor MSA Safety, the department can acquire two additional units beyond what its original plan envisioned.
“Our previous breathing equipment was reaching the end of its service life,” said Timothy Ricicar, treasurer of the Frelsburg VFD. “Thanks to this grant and MSA’s promotion, we were not only able to replace all 10 of our air packs but also added additional cylinders, ensuring we did not have to decrease our capacity to serve the community. ”
LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said LCRA is proud to help provide new breathing gear to support the Frelsburg VFD.
“Having a well-equipped fire department is crucial for any community,” Wilson said. “Businesses and residents can rest assured help is nearby, and that firefighters will have the right equipment with them as they work to protect people and property.”
Wilson said breathing gear for firefighters is particularly important.
“This equipment provides firefighters with a dependable supply of fresh air to protect them as they enter hazardous environments, enabling firefighters to stay involved with rescue attempts or firefighting longer before they have to leave to refill their air cylinders,” he said.
The portable respirators and air cylinders also protect firefighters from chemicals, carcinogens and pathogens they may encounter during emergency situations.
The Frelsburg VFD serves northern Colorado County, providing fire suppression, rescue services and emergency support.
“We want firefighters to know that if they choose to volunteer with us, they will have safe, reliable equipment,” Ricicar said. “We take pride in the safety of our members and making sure they come home safely to their families. Fire departments are the backbone of the community, and we’re committed to ensuring ours remains strong for years to come. With our new station and this updated equipment, we’re better prepared to serve the community and carry on our tradition of pride and safety.”
The community grant is one of 37 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.
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 fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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