EMS grant award to La Veta Fire Protection District

by Malea Schmidt
LA VETA — The La Veta Fire Protection District (LVFPD) announced they have been awarded an $18,000 grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This grant will provide funding for hiring a full-time, certified EMS staff-member.
The $18,000 grant will be matched with funds from the LVFPD, and the grant funds will extend over one year beginning July 2012. After the first year, funds will be allocated from other sources, such as billing for services, to continue the employment of the new staff member. After the inaugural year, the district will have to work hard to keep the program going. However, having this paid position in La Veta will lighten the load on valuable volunteers who will continue to be available 24/7 assisting the staff EMT for each EMS response.
LVFPD EMS volunteers, and now a new employee, will consist of EMT-Basics, EMT-Intermediates and a Paramedic.
EMS at all levels represents hope to people in their most critical times of need. The EMTs respond in emergencies in a spirit of volunteerism, dedication, professionalism and commitment. La Veta’s EMS volunteers are true public servants dedicating their lives to aiding people in times of crisis or emergency.
The theme for this year’s EMS week – “More than a job. A calling” – focuses the idea that EMS personnel do not choose this field for big salaries, comfortable working conditions or a 9 to 5 job. EMS professionals have a true calling to help care for and assist others who are sick or injured. La Veta Fire Protection District provides this service with its EMS Team of dedicated volunteers.
The LVFPD greatly appreciates all who supported this grant application. Your efforts truly made a difference.