LCRA, City of Yoakum award $3,867 grant to Sweet Home VFD for new storage system

Dedicated storage for specialized gear protects crucial equipment, helps firefighters respond to calls more quickly

Nov. 9, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • LCRA, City of Yoakum award a $3,867 grant to Sweet Home VFD for a new gear storage system.
  • The storage racks help protect firefighting gear and improve response time for volunteer firefighters.
  • The grant is one of 43 being awarded through LCRA’s Community Grants program through December. LCRA will accept applications in January for the next round of grants.

LCRA and City of Yoakum representatives present a $3,867 grant to the Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Department for a new gear storage system. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Elizabeth Ehlers, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; Michael Pavliska, VFD sergeant-at-arms; Robin Boswell, VFD secretary; Tim Boswell, VFD president; Patrick Matusek, City of Yoakum interim city manager; Victor Moeller, VFD fire chief; Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board member; Alton Brown, Jr., VFD assistant fire chief; Julie Hahn, VFD treasurer; Mark Mayo, LCRA Board member; and Michael Huelett, VFD safety officer.

LAVACA COUNTY, Texas – The Sweet Home Volunteer Fire Department recently upgraded its station with a new system for storing specialized firefighting gear, thanks to a $3,867 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Yoakum.

The LCRA Community Grant enabled the department to purchase multiple open-air racks for drying and storing firefighting gear, extending the lifespan of the equipment and organizing the storage so firefighters can quickly locate and load the specific gear they need for the next emergency response.

“We have really nice gear that we’ve secured through previous grants, but before it was just hung on pegs on the wall,” said Robin Boswell, Sweet Home VFD secretary. “Now we have 18 racks, so there’s a cubby for each member of the department with room to grow. Many of us are driving in directly from work, so any time we can save when responding is important.”

The new storage system provides a dedicated space to thoroughly dry out gear between calls, helping prevent mold growth and reducing potential exposure to fumes and potential carcinogens encountered during calls.

“We are a very small community, and it costs a lot to run a fire department, so any additional funds like this grant from LCRA and Yoakum are a blessing,” Boswell said. “We’re just neighbors helping neighbors.”

Sweet Home VFD serves Lavaca County, including the communities of Sweet Home, Yoakum, Hallettsville and Shiner.

This is one of 43 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 January. 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.