State Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, announced area volunteer fire and ambulance organizations have been awarded more than $140,000 in funding through the 2013-2014 Pennsylvania Fire Company and Ambulance Service Grant Program.

"Our emergency responders perform a vital service for our local communities," Simmons said. "I am pleased we are able to provide these volunteer groups with state funding support that will allow them to continue to protect our lives and property."

The funding comes from an ongoing grant program created by the legislature and administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Office of the State Fire Commissioner. All grants are generated from slot machine gaming proceeds and not general fund tax revenue.

A total of $30 million in funding was awarded to 2,535 fire and ambulance organizations statewide.

Projects eligible for funding include construction or renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training or reduction of existing debt.

The following fire and ambulance companies received grants: Lower Milford Township Fire Company 1 – $13,619.31; Upper Milford Western District Fire Company – $12,323.21; Upper Saucon Ambulance Corps – $7,091.40; Upper Saucon Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 1 – $13,619.31; Coopersburg Fire Company No. 1 – $13,458.11 and Eastern Salisbury Fire Ambulance and Rescue Company – $13,619.31.