Congressman Bill Keating's office announced on Friday that the Marion Fire Department received $81,425 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

Fire Chief Brian Jackvony told WBSM News that part of the money will be used to install a ventilation system which will help to ensure the health and well-being of his firefighters.

"Currently there is no exhaust system in the building so when the trucks start and move out on a call, the building actually fills up, or sometimes the truck runs in the building a little bit, those carcinogens that are contained in the diesel fumes, build up in the building," said Jackvony.

Jackvony says the funds will also be used to install a code compliant fire alarm system.

"I think these were popular 20 to 25 years ago when they began to install them, because this was not a staffed station, it was all paid on-call, they weren't really a high priority," said Jackvony "now that building is staffed 24 hours a day, it's definitely a high priority for FEMA and the Marion Fire Department."

In addition to the grant Jackvony says the town is providing roughly $4,000 in additional funds to pay for the installations.

Jackvony says they expect the work to be completed in about one year.

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