LLANO, Texas – The Llano Volunteer Fire Department soon will purchase new battery-operated Jaws of Life extrication tools, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Llano.
The community grant, along with $29,376 in matching funds from the department, will enable the VFD to replace 40-year-old corded extrication equipment with more modern, portable tools that make it faster and easier to free people trapped in vehicles after crashes.
The new tools are designed to work quickly on the metal and technology used in newer cars, and do not require the separate hydraulic power unit and hoses used by the older equipment.
“Traffic accidents are inevitable and with more and more people on the roads every day, the number of accidents will only continue to increase over time,” said David Gilliland, fire chief. “Access to the best and most efficient equipment when responding to emergencies improves patients’ chances of survival when seconds count.”
The Llano VFD serves the City of Llano, home to roughly 4,000 residents, as well as approximately 550 square miles of surrounding rural area with an additional 2,500 residents. With improved cutting and spreading power, the tools will enhance the department’s ability to respond to serious vehicle accidents throughout the area's winding Hill Country roads and busy highways.
“We are grateful to have received this grant that helps fund the purchase of these lifesaving tools that not only will impact the lives of Llano County residents, but also the lives of those traveling through the county,” Gilliland said.
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. The City of Llano 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/grants.
