More than $170,000 in state gaming proceeds will benefit 13 fire and ambulance companies in the 187th Legislative District in Lehigh and Berks counties, state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, has announced.

The funding is part of the Pennsylvania Fire and Volunteer EMS Grant Program, which allows local organizations to use the money for a variety of uses, including construction or renovation of a fire company or ambulance service's primary structure; purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; training; or debt reduction.

"This very popular grant program has enabled first response organizations from all around the 187th District and our commonwealth to upgrade their equipment, pay off trucks, renovate their garages or meet basic expenses, such as heating or insurance," Day said. "We have many dedicated men and women willing to give up so much of their time when our community is in need, and this program allows them to have a little bit of breathing room in their budgets so that they can continue to be there in an emergency.

"I applaud all of our volunteers with our fire and EMS organizations for the tasks they undertake each and every day in their service to us."

The following fire and EMS companies in the Lehigh County portion of the 187th District will receive grant funding:

· Cetronia Ambulance Corps Inc., $7,444;

· Cetronia Fire Company No. 1, $14,284;

· Community Fire Co. No. 1, North Whitehall Township, $12,899;

· Community Fire Company, New Tripoli, $14,284;

· Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company, $13,453;

· Goodwill Fire Co. No. 1, Germansville, $14,284.70;

· Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company, $12,068;

· Neffs Volunteer Fire Company, $14,284;

· Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department, $13,176; and

· Upper Macungie Township Station 56, $14,284;

The following fire and EMS companies in the Berks County portion of the 187th District will receive grant funding:

· Kempton Fire Company Inc., $14,284;

· Kutztown Volunteer Fire Department, $14,284; and

· Lyons Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $12,899.