LCRA, PEC award $25,000 grant to Hoover Valley Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services
New system to refill air packs at local fire station will enhance firefighter safety, emergency readiness
Dec. 3, 2025
LCRA and PEC representatives present a $25,000 grant to Hoover Valley Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services for a new air cylinder refill system. The grant is part of LCRA’s Community Grants program. Pictured, from left to right, are: Kim Otte, fire and emergency services treasurer; Ty Busby and Jonathan Fletcher, firefighters; Jeanine Christian, fire and emergency services president; Brandon Thornhill, fire chief; Travis Daugherty, lieutenant; Nancy Eckert Yeary and Margaret D. “Meg” Voelter, LCRA Board members; Jared Fields, PEC external relations representative; Alice Price, PEC District 5 director; Beth Koennecke, PEC external relations representative; Melissa Daugherty, firefighter; Alexys Thornhill, secretary/firefighter; Jodee Fletcher, firefighter; Susan Patten, LCRA Regional Affairs representative; and Jim Luther Jr., Burnet County commissioner, Precinct 1.
BURNET COUNTY, Texas – Hoover Valley Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services soon will purchase and install specialized equipment to refill firefighter air packs at its main station, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The community grant, along with $12,501 in matching funds from the VFD, will support the installation of a modern air compressor and fill station so self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, cylinders can be refilled locally rather than taking them miles away to other fire stations to be refilled.
“A self-contained breathing apparatus fill station will significantly enhance firefighter readiness by ensuring crews can quickly refill air bottles during emergency responses,” said Brandon Thornhill, fire chief. “This reduces turnaround time on scene, allowing firefighters to stay operational longer and respond more effectively to structure fires and hazardous incidents.”
Firefighters use the air cylinders as a reliable source of clean air when responding to calls in hazardous and oxygen-deficient environments such as structure fires. In addition to providing quick refills of the cylinders during emergencies, the on-site refill system also will improve training exercises by enabling the department to quickly refill the air packs and provide firefighters additional time to work with SCBA equipment in a training environment.
The VFD serves the Hoover Valley area of Burnet County and responds to a wide range of emergencies, including structure fires, wildland fires, medical calls and rescue situations.
“The added capability strengthens overall community safety for the Hoover Valley area and surrounding Burnet County,” Thornhill said. “It also provides a reliable regional resource that can support neighboring departments during large-scale or prolonged events.”
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. Pedernales Electric Cooperative is one of LCRA’s wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. 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.
About PEC
Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is the nation’s largest member-owned distribution electric cooperative serving more than 430,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.
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