Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and LCRA representatives present a $23,819 grant to the Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department for new vehicle extrication tools. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet's Brenham-area community representative; Robert Mikeska, Bluebonnet Board secretary/treasurer and member; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Doyle Dahmann, VFD fire chief; Douglas Zwiener, VFD deputy fire chief and chief financial officer; Ron Arnold, VFD firefighter; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA regional affairs representative.

The Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department will soon purchase its first set of battery-operated vehicle extrication tools, thanks to a $23,819 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, combined with $5,955 in matching funds from the VFD, will equip firefighters with new rechargeable tools that will enable firefighters to reach people trapped in vehicles more quickly and efficiently.

“This is a project we’ve been working toward for several years,” said Douglas Zwiener, deputy fire chief and chief financial officer of the Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill Volunteer Fire Department. “While we’ve been fortunate to rely on the Brenham Fire Department for extrication tools, having our own equipment will enable us to respond faster and more efficiently to emergencies in the northeastern part of Washington County. Every second matters in critical situations, and these tools will greatly enhance our ability to serve our community.”

Founded in 1959 by local farmers, the Prairie Hill-Rocky Hill VFD has grown into a multi-apparatus department that provides essential fire suppression and rescue services to a 63-square mile area of northeastern Washington County. The department also responds to calls in parts of Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, Lake Somerville and other nearby communities.

“This grant, along with past support from LCRA and Bluebonnet, has elevated our department’s readiness,” Zwiener said. “Whether it’s generator backup for our fire hall, ATV access for hard-to-reach areas, or now these extrication tools, this support ensures we’re prepared to handle a wide range of emergencies and serve the residents of Washington County more effectively.”

The community grant is one of four grants being awarded by Bluebonnet and LCRA 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. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative 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 January 2025. More information is available here

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and LCRA representatives present a $18,123 grant to the Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department for a new generator. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left, are Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet's Brenham-area community representative; Robert Mikeska, Bluebonnet Board secretary/treasurer; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA board member; Josh Roman, treasurer and firefighter; John Burleson III, fire chief; and Kate Ramzinski, LCRA regional affairs representative.

The Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department will soon install a new generator at its fire station, enabling the department to serve as a temporary shelter and helping keep communication systems online during power outages, thanks to an $18,123 grant from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $5,036 in matching funds from the VFD, will help the department maintain essential fire and rescue services in the Meyersville area even when the power is out.

“The addition of this generator means we can continue responding to fires, accidents and other emergencies in Washington County without interruption, even if the power goes out,” Meyersville VFD Fire Chief John Burleson III said.

“Thanks to this grant and the supplemental power system it provides, our station can also provide a place of refuge to residents, offering them safety and comfort when it is needed most,” he said. “Without this support, our ability to respond effectively during such events would have been impacted, and we would not have been able to serve as a critical safety resource for the community.”

The generator will be available to power dispatch operations and help ensure the fire station remains fully functional, enabling the department to provide critical public safety services. The Meyersville VFD serves northeastern Washington County, including the communities of Meyersville, Sandy Hill and Wiedeville.

The community grant is one of four grants being awarded by Bluebonnet and LCRA 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. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative 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 January 2025. More information is available here