A dozen local first responder agencies received funding to purchase specialized equipment and training to assist with rescue and safety services with the help of Yuba Water Agency’s unique new program launched in 2018.
The Bill Shaw Rescue and Training Grant program has provided grants for up to $5,000 annually for the one-time cost of specialized equipment and training to public agencies that provide first responder services for employees and people recreating near the agency’s New Bullards Bar Reservoir, New Colgate Powerhouse and surrounding areas.
Today, the Yuba Water Agency Board of Directors unanimously voted to increase the value of the grant to up to $10,000 per applicant annually.
“These first responder agencies provide valuable first aid services to some of the most remote areas in Yuba County, including areas near Yuba Water Agency’s facilities and New Bullards Bar,” said Yuba Water Agency Chairman Brent Hastey. “We are so grateful for their quick, emergency response capability, and are happy to help them do it better with this program.”
The grant program, which was created in January, 2018, was the idea of, and is named after Bill Shaw, an employee who made a heroic recovery from a potentially life-threatening injury, and is extremely grateful for the emergency first responders who helped save him. Shaw, who is also a volunteer fire chief, gave a presentation to agency directors at today’s board of directors meeting, describing how the program has benefited the different recipients and the pride he takes in this unique grant program.
“It was crucial that the people who showed up to help me the day of the accident were well-trained and knew exactly how to deal with my injuries,” said Shaw. “The costs for the equipment and training aren’t cheap, so anytime Yuba Water Agency can step forward and help pay for training or buy new equipment as needed, it is a huge benefit.”
The local agencies that benefited in 2018 from the Bill Shaw Rescue Equipment and Training Grant program include:
Yuba County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse
Foothill Fire Protection District
Camptonville Volunteer Fire Department
Dobbins/Oregon House Fire Protection District
Marysville Fire Department
Smartsville Fire Protection District
Linda Fire Protection District
Olivehurst Public Utility District
Wheatland Fire Authority
Wheatland Police Department
Marysville Police Department
Yuba County Sheriff’s Department
“We were so fortunate to receive the $5,000 Bill Shaw Grant last year,” said Yuba County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse Lieutenant Ric Teagarden. “We used the funding to upgrade our medical supplies and backpacks, and to continue training our members, so now all of them are educated in CPR and important rescue techniques.”
All first responder agencies in Yuba County are eligible to apply for the grant program for up to $10,000 each year. The grants must be connected to Yuba Water Agency’s missions or operations to be eligible for funding.
###