The Marion Board of Selectmen voted to endorse a federal grant application that would pay for a full-time firefighter in the Marion Fire Department.

If obtained, the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant – offered through the Department of Homeland Security – would cover the costs of the firefighter's salary and benefits over a two-year period, according to Acting Town Administrator Judy Mooney, who spoke at the Selectmen's Tuesday night meeting.

"The grant would help out during those daytime hours [the fire chief] has trouble filling. And no money would be coming out of the town," said Mooney, who presented the request on behalf of Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, who could not attend the meeting due to sickness.

The application requires a letter of support from the Board of Selection, and, if funded, the town must commit to not laying off Fire Department staff during the duration of the grant period, Mooney said. The grant application is due on Friday, March 25.

Jackvony's intention is that following the two-year grant period, the firefighter would join the town of Marion as an employee. Also, the grant offers a good opportunity to analyze part-time versus full-time personnel costs, Mooney said.