LCRA awards $18,840 grant to Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department for new protective gear

Bunker gear will improve firefighter safety, department’s emergency response capabilities

June 12, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department an $18,840 grant to purchase five sets of structural turnout gear.
  • The new gear will improve firefighter safety, replace outdated equipment and expand the department’s emergency response capabilities.
  • The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.

LCRA representatives present an $18,840 grant to the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department for new bunker gear. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Susan Patten, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Carol Freeman, LCRA Board member; Jordan Duecker, VFD secretary/treasurer; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Reece Theobald, VFD firefighter; Danny Stone, VFD fire chief; and Joe Whittenburg, VFD assistant fire chief.

KINGSLAND, Texas – The Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department soon will purchase five complete sets of bunker gear to better protect firefighters responding to emergencies, thanks to an $18,840 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $4,810 in matching funds from the department, will enable the VFD to purchase five sets of structural firefighting personal protective equipment, also known as bunker or turnout gear, including helmets, coats, pants and boots. The new gear will replace outdated equipment currently in service and provide essential protection for firefighters who do not currently have assigned structural gear, improving safety and operational readiness during emergency response.

“The Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department is deeply grateful to the Lower Colorado River Authority and its Community Grants program for supporting the purchase of new structural turnout gear,” said Joe Whittenburg, assistant fire chief of the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department. “This grant helps strengthen our department’s ability to respond when our community needs us most, while ensuring more of our firefighters have the essential equipment needed to safely and effectively serve.”

The investment represents an important step in improving emergency preparedness and firefighter safety throughout Kingsland and Llano County, he said.

“Support from LCRA makes a meaningful difference for both our department and the community we serve,” Whittenburg said. “These additional sets of turnout gear will help us respond more effectively, better protect our volunteers and enable us to continue providing reliable fire protection.”

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA’s effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.

Contact Info

Clara Tuma
512-578-3292
After hours: 512-944-6719
[email protected]

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region’s growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.