SHELBY – A $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority will help the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department build a helipad near Shelby American Legion Post 602.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with more than $49,000 in matching funds from the department, will allow the VFD to construct a 60-by-60-foot concrete landing zone that will be available for helicopter landings 24/7.
The Shelby area saw four emergency helicopter landings in the last year, causing concern among some members of the community.
After receiving an outpouring of community support, department leaders decided this project was needed because the nearest helipad is 8 miles away.
“The helipad will allow for a permanent place for a helicopter to land without the need for the fire department to set up a spot every time a patient needs to fly to a medical center,” said Blake Moehlmann, Shelby VFD trea- surer and firefighter.
Shelby VFD Assistant Fire Chief Berrie Etzel said the helipad also will create a safer environment for patients, fire department personnel and the helicopter medical team.
Time is critical in life-threat- ening situations, and firefighters say having better access to a helipad when urgent medical care is required will make a difference.
“The helipad will enable our firefighters to respond to critical incidents and keep the patient’s medical window within the golden hour, giving each patient a better chance for recovery,” said Rudy Engstrom, Shelby VFD president. “We are thankful for this grant and opportunity for our community.”
