State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, announced Feb. 12 that 14 fire and emergency medical service companies serving the 183rd Legislative District were awarded almost $195,000 in fire company and emergency medical service grants.

Local entities receiving funding include $13,000 for Charotin Hose Company No. 1; $13,045 for Allen Township Fire Company No. 1; $14,075 for Bath Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Corps; $13,251 for East Allen Township Fire Department; $16,137 for Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1; $13,457 for Northampton Fire Department; and $15,000 for Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc.

“This grant program delivers essential funding for smaller projects that support our fire and ambulance personnel as they protect our community,” Mako said. “By easing the burden of fundraising, it allows our emergency responders to focus on what they do best — protecting and assisting residents in times of need. I am proud to support our first responders and will continue advocating for the resources they need.”

Other groups receiving funding include $12,839 for Community Fire Company No. 1 of North Whitehall Township; $14,900 for Diamond Fire Company; $13,663 for Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company; $13,869 for Neffs Volunteer Fire Company; $15,000 for Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc.; $13,457 for Slatington Volunteer Fire Department; and $13,251 for Tri Clover Fire Company.

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 renovation of a fire or ambulance company facility, purchase or repair of equipment, training, recruitment and retention, public education about fire prevention and reduction of existing debt.

The funding amounts are contingent on the recipients filing their grant agreements with the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

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