GIFT OF LAND, $50,000 DONATION TO ALLOW WASHINGTON CO. EMS TO BUILD HELIPAD AT MAIN STATION IN BRENHAM
Washington County EMS will soon be able to build a helipad at its primary station in Brenham, following a donation from a local company.
Washington County Commissioners approved a sublease agreement today (Tuesday) with Mike Hopkins Distributing for 0.209 acres of land adjacent to the EMS station at 1875 Highway 290 West. The county will rent the property from the company at the cost of $1 per year, and the company is also donating $50,000 to cover the cost of building the helipad on that property.
EMS Director Kevin Deramus said the Hopkins family has been a longtime supporter of the EMS Department, even gifting the land for the current station to the county back in 2007.
Commissioner Kirk Hanath said before this donation, the company had already been allowing EMS to land its helicopter on their property, and that this will “make it safer for everyone.”
The court gave thanks to the Hopkins family for its contributions, with Hanath saying the county owes a “debt of gratitude” and that, “Thank you is just not big enough.”
Mike Hopkins, Jr., president of Mike Hopkins Distributing, could not attend today’s meeting, but he offered a statement on behalf of the company:
Mike Hopkins Distributing (MHD) is proud to continue its longstanding tradition of supporting local first responders, a core value since the company’s founding in 1989. For nearly 20 years, MHD has stood alongside Folds of Honor, a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders. This latest initiative brings the partnership to life in a meaningful way by directly supporting the EMS community. “We are honored to play a part in recognizing and supporting the brave men and women who respond first in times of crisis,” said Mike Hopkins, Jr., President, MHD. “Our $50,000 donation is both a thank-you and a commitment to stand behind those who stand on the front lines every day.”