FLATONIA — The Flatonia Volunteer Fire Department will purchase new fire hoses and oth - er 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 con nect hoses of different sizes, and valves combine two hose lines into one and allow one hose line to be split in two.
“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.
'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 confi dent in our capabilities, our community feels safe.”
