Representatives from 11 Washington County fire departments gathered at the Brenham Fire Department to receive $1,000 grant checks from Bluebonnet. Pictured with representatives are Robert Mikeska, Bluebonnet Board secretary/treasurer, third from right, and Kyle Merten, Bluebonnet’s Brenham-area community representative, second from right.
Bluebonnet awards $64,000 to area fire departments
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s Board of Directors unanimously approved $1,000 grants to 64 fire departments serving communities across the cooperative’s 14-county service area. The grants were approved earlier this year and awarded in October and November.
“These departments are dedicated to serving Bluebonnet members and our communities,” said Matt Bentke, Bluebonnet’s general manager. “Our lineworkers and control center operators rely on the partnership and quick response of firefighters and first responders during emergencies. Their work is vital to keeping our members and employees safe.”
The grants will support the firefighters and first responders who devote their time, skill and courage to keeping communities safe. The grants help cover essential costs such as fuel, equipment, repairs and other critical needs identified by each department.
“Bluebonnet is honored to support our area fire departments, whose commitment to protecting and serving our communities is truly exceptional,” said Ben Flencher, Chairman of Bluebonnet’s Board of Directors. “The men and women who serve and volunteer with these departments deserve our deepest gratitude and continued support.”
Money for the fire department grants does not come from Bluebonnet members’ bill payments or rates. They are funded through unclaimed capital credit payments to former members that are returned to Bluebonnet from the State of Texas.
