LCRA, City of Flatonia award $13,311 grant to Flatonia VFD

June 8, 2023

LCRA and City of Flatonia representatives present a $13,311 grant to the Flatonia Volunteer Fire Department for new equipment for its emergency response vehicles. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kate Ramzinski, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; James Robinson; assistant fire chief; Rick Todd, VFD vice president; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Dennis Gessaman, Flatonia mayor; Tammy Louvier, Flatonia city secretary; and Sonya Bishop, Flatonia city manager.

FLATONIA, Texas – The Flatonia Volunteer Fire Department will purchase new fire hoses and other equipment for its firetrucks, thanks to a $13,311 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Flatonia.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $3,328 in matching funds from the Flatonia VFD, will allow the department to equip its vehicles with a variety of hoses and related equipment to fight fires more effectively.

“The hoses and appliances will make us more versatile and capable as we attack fires,” said Rick Todd, VFD vice president. “We’ll have a lot of confidence with this new equipment, and we can utilize our skills better to help keep our community safe.”

Four firetrucks had hoses and appliances that were damaged in fires or failed testing due to overuse or other reasons. The grant will allow the department to equip two fire engines and two grass trucks with new hoses, valves and adapters to restore them to full service.

Flatonia VFD will purchase 37 hoses in different styles and varying lengths. They will also add adapters and valves for greater flexibility. Adapters connect hoses of different sizes, and valves combine two hose lines into one and allow one hose line to be split in two.

Todd said the new equipment will provide more options when fighting fires, as the department will be able to mix and match equipment.

“We’re excited to be able to move around more and attack fires from different points,” he said.

The department will be able to dry out hoses completely after fires, while still having enough other hoses available should there be another fire, increasing the lifespan of the equipment.

LCRA General Manager Phil Wilson said he appreciated Flatonia volunteer firefighters and their continuing dedication to public service.

“These firefighters put their lives at risk during every call, and it’s only right they have the necessary equipment ready to go,” Wilson said. “Safety is our top priority at LCRA, and we’re so pleased to help upgrade the Fire Department’s equipment to help Flatonia firefighters better serve the community.”

Flatonia VFD serves a growing region in Fayette County and along the Interstate 10 corridor.

“Our community is seeing a lot of growth, so it’s important we’re able to fight fires in many ways to protect the community,” Todd said. “When we are confident in our capabilities, our community feels safe.”

The community grant is one of 34 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund 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. The City of Goldthwaite is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program. Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. 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 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. For more information, visit lcra.org.

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