Champion Fire Department to receive vehicle-exhaust-removal system

Champion Fire Department to receive vehicle-exhaust-removal system

CHAMPION

The Champion Fire Department has been approved for $65,550 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

The department will use the money to purchase a vehicle-exhaust system to be used at the fire department to remove exhaust fumes from the station and improve air quality, said John Hickey, Champion fire chief.

The department doesn’t have this type of system currently and has 24/7 operations, meaning that firefighters live upstairs at the station and are subjected to the fumes, Hickey said.

The department is currently advertising for bids for the system. The department is matching about $3,500 for the system, making the total price about $69,000.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio announced the award. The Assistance to Firefighters Grants program helps firefighters and other first responders purchase protective equipment, vehicles, and gear.