VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FROM LCRA AND BEC

  

The Berlin-Mill Creek-Zionsville Volunteer Fire Department will be able to build a new firetruck that is well-equipped to fight wildland and other kinds of fires, thanks to a community grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative.

The $35,000 grant will enable the Fire Department to purchase a new self-contained firefighting apparatus, including a pump and tank assembly, that will be installed on a previously purchased cab. The tank will hold about 800 gallons of water, making it particularly valuable when responding to larger fires. Additionally, the front of the truck will have mounted bumper spray nozzles, which will make fire suppression easier with a limited crew.

“This grant will benefit our community by providing a reliable firetruck that can be used on the majority of fires we respond to,” said Mike McAnally, fire chief of the Berlin-Mill Creek-Zionsville-Volunteer Fire Department. “This truck will also be available to respond outside of our area, including to assist other departments and our neighboring counties.”

With the new equipment, the Fire Department will be able to replace an aging 41-year-old truck that is no longer meeting the needs of the department. The new truck will be used to fight wildland fires, protect suburban areas from wildland fires and assist in water rescues, as well as for use in assisting other fire departments.

The Fire Department will provide $42,400 in matching funds raised through various fundraisers.

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 electric and water 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 a partner in the grant program.

Applications for the next round of grants are due July 31. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.