A foundation in Fujian province has awarded more than 3 million yuan ($492,400) to 39 good Samaritans in the province, China News Service reported on Tuesday.

Among those awarded were a resident of Wuping county who used his loader to save more than 100 residents during a flood, and armed police officers who extinguished a mountain fire and saved the lives of three people.

The highest reward given by the Fujian provincial Samaritan foundation was 90,000 yuan.

Gao Wenbin, deputy chairman of the foundation, said the award was given to ensure that good Samaritans have their rights protected after their heroic behavior.