LCRA awards $11,174 grant for new backup generator for Eastland Fire Department

New equipment will replace outdated unit, helping ensure uninterrupted emergency response during power outages

May 5, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards an $11,174 grant to provide the Eastland Fire Department with a new generator.
  • The current generator is past its useful life and can no longer be depended upon.
  • 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.
An LCRA representative presents an $11,174 grant to the Eastland Fire Department for a new generator. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Bryan Kellar, captain; Terry Slavens, Eastland Economic Development executive director; Lindsey Ward, Eastland finance director; Dylan Cogburn, lieutenant; Savannah Fortenberry, Eastland city manager; Shawn Brightman, fire chief; Cooper Hogg, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Terry Hastings, assistant fire chief; and Geoff Orr, firefighter.

EASTLAND, Texas – The Eastland Fire Department soon will replace its aging emergency backup generator with a new state-of-the-art unit, thanks to an $11,174 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $2,794 in matching funds from the department, will enable the department to purchase and install the new generator so the fire station can remain fully operational during power outages, severe weather and other emergencies.

“Having reliable backup power is essential to everything we do,” Fire Chief Shawn Brightman said. “This new generator will allow us to maintain continuous communications, keep critical medical equipment running and have our apparatus ready to respond at a moment’s notice, even during extended outages or severe weather.”

Brightman said the fire department’s generator has served the department well but is more than 20 years old and needs to be replaced.

“Our current generator has been repurposed multiple times over the years and has exceeded its service life,” Brightman said. “It no longer provides reliable or adequate power and has experienced failures during outages, which creates operational risk for our team. The grant will allow our department to continue serving the community at the highest level at all times.”

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.

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.

Contact Info

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