State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, recently announced 17 fire departments and emergency medical service companies serving the 183rd Legislative District were awarded almost $250,000 in fire company and emergency medical service grants.

“This grant program helps fire and ambulance services purchase needed equipment to protect us in times of emergency,” Mako said. “While the amounts cannot pay for a fire engine or a building, it does assist with important other needs and reduces the need for fundraising. We owe our first responders a debt of gratitude for their service to our community.”

Local fire and emergency medical services companies that received funding include Allen Township Fire Company No. 1, $13,840; Bath Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Corps, $14,229; East Allen Township Fire Department, $13,840; Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company, $13,451; Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company EMS, $13,000; Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, $16,757; Northampton Fire Department, $15,396; Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc., $15,000; and North Catasauqua’s Charotin Hose Company No. 1, $13,451.

Other companies include Community Fire Company No. 2 of North Whitehall Township, $13,840; Community Fire Company of New Tripoli, $16,952; Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport, $15,979; Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company, $14,618; Neffs Volunteer Fire Company, $15,396; Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc., $10,000; Slatington Volunteer Fire Department, $13,645; and Tri-Clover Fire Company of Orefield, $13,645.

The grant money comes from state gaming proceeds as required under state law. It was first initiated in 2000 and is open to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads in Pennsylvania.

Grant awards can be used for construction or repair of facilities, purchase or repair of equipment, debt reduction and training. The funding amounts are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with the office of the state fire commissioner.

The 183rd Legislative District includes Allen, East Allen, Lehigh and Moore (part) townships and North Catasauqua, Bath, Northampton and Walnutport boroughs in Northampton County. It also consists of Lowhill and North Whitehall townships and Slatington Borough in Lehigh County.