State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, has announced 13 volunteer fire and ambulance organizations serving communities in the 187th Legislative District will share $167,000 in state grant funding.

“Our area first responders are a vital part of our communities, as they dedicate so much of their time to keeping us safe, upgrading their equipment, attending trainings and raising money to keep their operations going,” Day said. “To help them better afford to provide these services, the commonwealth has a grant program available that will help offset some of the costs they incur.

“This valuable and popular program has set aside $25 million each year for more than a decade to help these devoted men and women. I appreciate all of the men and women of our fire and EMS agencies for all they do.”

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 the 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.

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

·Cetronia Ambulance Corps Inc., $7,201.

·Cetronia Fire Company No. 1, $13,789.

·Community Fire Company No. 1 of North Whitehall Township, $12,422.

·Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, $13,789.

·Fogelsville Volunteer Fire Company, $13,789.

·Goodwill Fire Company 1 Inc., Germansville, $13,561.

·Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company, $12,194.

·Neffs Volunteer Fire Company, $13,789.

·Weisenberg Volunteer Fire Department, $13,106.

·Upper Macungie Township Station No. 56 Inc., $13,789.

The following fire companies in the Berks County portion of the 187th District to receive grant funding include: Kempton Fire Company Inc., $13,789; Kutztown Volunteer Fire Department, $13,561; and Lyons Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $12,878.