Grants Awarded to Fire, EMS Companies

Fire companies in Slatington, Walnutport and Lehigh Township are among those to receive funding courtesy of state gaming proceeds.

State Rep. Zach Mako, R-Lehigh/Northampton, announced Friday that 11 fire companies and emergency medical service companies serving the 183rd Legislative District were awarded more than $120,000 in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service grants.

Among them are Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 ($15,000), Diamond Fire Company, Walnutport ($13,939), Friedens Volunteer Fire Company ($11,543) and Slatington Volunteer Fire Department ($12,465).

“Our firefighters and EMS personnel work tirelessly day in and day out to protect us,” Mako said. “These grants are a small way to help them have the tools needed to perform at their best. I will continue to advocate for our first responders. We owe them a debt of gratitude.”

Others that were awarded include Allen Township Fire Company No. 1 ($11,728); Citizens Fire Company No. 1 ($11,728); Egypt Fire Company No. 1 Whitehall Fire Department ($12,649); Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company ($12,465); Northampton Fire Department ($13,018); Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc. ($6,341); and Star Hose Company No. 1 ($11.912).

The grant money comes from state gaming proceeds as required under state law. Funding can be used to build, repair or renovate a fire company or ambulance service’s primary structure; purchase or repair firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment; participate in training seminars and workshops; or pay down the organization’s debt. To receive a grant award, an organization must first apply.

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