LCRA awards $23,136 grant to Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department for new protective gear

Much-needed equipment will help protect firefighters responding to emergencies

LCRA representatives present a $23,136 grant to the Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department for new personal protective equipment. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Billy Bledsoe, Coleman County judge; Cooper Hogg, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Carol Freeman, LCRA Board member; David Huggins, VFD fire chief; Trace Rice, VFD firefighter; Jonathan Dean, VFD assistant fire chief; Terry Taylor Jr., VFD captain; and Travis Lytle, VFD firefighter.

SANTA ANNA, Texas – The Santa Anna Volunteer Fire Department soon will be able to purchase 10 new sets of personal protective equipment thanks to a $23,136 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $5,781 in matching funds from the Santa Anna VFD, will allow the department to replace outdated and ill-fitting gear and help ensure that all firefighters are properly equipped to safely respond to emergency situations. The department serves cities throughout Coleman County and responds 24/7 to a wide range of emergencies including medical calls, traffic accidents and structure fires.

“It’s not just about new gear, it’s about protecting the people who protect our community,” said Fire Chief David Huggins. “Without this support, we would’ve been forced to rely on outdated equipment, which could have put both our team and the public at risk. Thanks to this grant, we can continue serving our area with the professionalism and preparedness our neighbors deserve.”

The community grant is one of 45 grants awarded recently through LCRA’s Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund eligible capital improvement projects in LCRA’s wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA’s effort to give back to the communities it serves.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July 2025. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. 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. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.

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Clara Tuma, Public Information Officer
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