LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Sand Hills VFD for lifesaving equipment

 

New cardiac monitor, defibrillator will increase quality of care in emergencies

May 18, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA awards a $25,000 grant to the Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department for a cardiac monitor and defibrillator.
  • The equipment will help first responders more quickly assess and help patients who need specialized emergency care.
  • 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 a $25,000 grant to the Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department for new lifesaving equipment. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Elizabeth Ehlers, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Cindi Kincaid, auxiliary chairperson; Carlos Chapa, fire chief and EMT-A; KB Hallmark IV, captain and paramedic; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Liz Chapa, auxiliary member; KB Hallmark V, firefighter and licensed paramedic; and Myles Beicker, firefighter and EMT-A.

GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas –The Sand Hills Volunteer Fire Department soon will purchase a cardiac monitor and defibrillator to enable firefighters to provide lifesaving care more quickly, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.

The LCRA Community Grant, along with $20,319 in matching funds from the VFD, will better equip first responders to assess patients experiencing heart-related medical issues that require rapid detection and treatment. Sand Hills VFD responders are often the first on-site at the scene of a medical emergency and begin providing care as quickly as they can.

“We’ve had regular defibrillators before, but the cardiac monitor is new for us,” said Carlos Chapa, Sand Hills VFD fire chief. “Our first responders and EMTs are often treating patients before EMS arrives, so it’s a game changer that we’ll be able to provide the critical information to them when they arrive.”

Chapa said the monitor can print 12 EKG heart rhythm strips, similar to a hospital EKG, to provide emergency doctors a detailed look at the patient’s condition.

“Without this grant we would have to do some serious fundraising, because this is expensive equipment, and the prices only continue to rise,” Chapa said. “We are incredibly grateful to LCRA for the opportunity to purchase this lifesaving equipment.”

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