Northhampton News

State Representative Zach Mako has announced that 17 fire companies and emergency medical service (EMS) companies in the 183rd Legislative District have been awarded nearly $250,000 in grants. These grants, known as the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service grants, aim to provide funding for the purchase of necessary equipment and to support the work of first responders in the community.

Mako highlighted the importance of these grants, stating, "This grant program helps fire and ambulance services purchase needed equipment to protect us in times of emergency." He emphasized that while the amounts awarded may not cover the cost of a fire engine or a building, they do assist with other important needs and reduce the need for fundraising. Mako expressed gratitude towards the first responders, acknowledging their invaluable service to the community.

The funding for these grants comes from state gaming proceeds as mandated by state law. The program was first established in 2000 and is open to both volunteer and career fire companies, as well as emergency medical services and rescue squads in Pennsylvania. The grants can be utilized for various purposes such as facility construction or repair, equipment purchase or repair, debt reduction, and training. The final amount awarded to each recipient is contingent upon the submission of their grant agreements to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.

The fire and emergency medical services companies serving the 183rd District received the following grant amounts:

- Allen Township Fire Company No. 1 – $13,840.

- Bath Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Corps – $14,229.

- Charotin Hose Company No. 1 – $13,451.

- Community Fire Company No. 2 of North Whitehall Township – $13,840.

- Community Fire Company of New Tripoli – $16,952.

- Diamond Fire Company – $15,979.

- East Allen Township Fire Department – $13,840.

- Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company – $13,451.

- Klecknersville Rangers Volunteer Fire Company EMS – $13,000.

- Laurys Station Volunteer Fire Company – $14,618.

- Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 – $16,757.

- Neffs Volunteer Fire Company – $15,396.

- Northampton Fire Department – $15,396.

- Northampton Regional Emergency Medical Services Inc. – $15,000.

- Northern Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc. – $10,000.

- Slatington Volunteer Fire Department – $13,645.

- Tri Clover Fire Company – $13,645.

The 183rd District encompasses various townships and boroughs in Lehigh and Northampton Counties, including Lowhill and North Whitehall townships, Slatington Borough, Allen Township, East Allen Township, Lehigh Township, Moore Township (part), Bath Borough, North Catasauqua Borough, Northampton Borough, and Walnutport Borough.

In conclusion, the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service grants, totaling nearly $250,000, have been awarded to 17 fire and EMS companies in the 183rd Legislative District. These funds will support the purchase of necessary equipment and contribute to the reduction of fundraising needs for these vital first responders. State Representative Zach Mako expressed his gratitude towards the recipients and emphasized the importance of their service to the community.