WASHINGTON CO. EMS RECEIVES $32,500 DONATION FROM PHILLIPS 66 FOR NEW SWIFT WATER RESCUE BOAT

  

Washington County EMS is upgrading its water rescue division thanks to a grant from Phillips 66.

The company’s donation of $32,500 is funding the purchase of a new swift water rescue boat for the EMS Water Rescue Team.  Washington County’s water rescue program is involved with emergency responses across the state through its affiliation with the Texas Task Force Foundation; according to EMS Director Kevin Deramus, the program has been to 37 of the last 42 state deployments, including the Hill Country floods.

Wyatt Bishop, an SRT paramedic, said the program has running since 2011.  One of the department’s boats was past its effective age, as boats are rated for 10-11 years of use before being relegated to training purposes, so Bishop said this donation allows the program to continue operating at its peak abilities.

Jessica Follett, Regional Public Affairs Advisor for Phillips 66, said the company works where it has local assets to reach out to community and social partners, such as through grant opportunities like this.  The company also recently donated $250,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to assist with Central Texas flood relief. 

Follett said Washington County EMS plays an important role in statewide recovery with its water rescue program, and it was a “no-brainer” to support those efforts.

Deramus said EMS has not had to use tax dollars to pay for its boats, receiving its first two through grants, another by way of a gift from the state, and now this one through a grant.  Through a memorandum of understanding, the state reimburses water rescue team members who deploy for their time, vehicle mileage and benefits, as well as the EMS staff members who fill their shifts back home. 

Deramus said the new boat will be “a huge asset” and will get plenty of use, not just “sitting for the what-if scenarios.”

County Judge John Durrenberger thanked Phillips 66 for the contribution, saying, “Your support means a whole lot to us.”