The Marion Fire Department will purchase a vehicle exhaust ventilation system and a code-compliant alarm system, thanks to an $81,425 "Assistance to Firefighters" grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“The health and safety of Marion Fire Department personnel was paramount when this grant was written," Marion Fire Department Chief Brian Jackvony said.

The ventilation system will protect firefighters from the toxins and carcinogens in diesel exhaust, while the code-compliant fire alarm will ensure that any smoke or fire in the building will be detected early, officials noted.

"This award will protect [firefighters] from these dangerous conditions for many years,” Jackvony noted.