MASSENA -- The federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program has awarded $45,600 for Massena Rescue, the Massena Volunteer Emergency Company.

This funding will go towards operations and safety improvements at the firehouse, according to Rep. Bill Owens (D-Plattsburgh), who announced the grant.

“These grants give local fire departments the resources they need to ensure the safety of their firefighters and their communities,” said Owens.

AFG grants are competitive and awarded directly to fire departments to protect public and first-responder health and safety.

According to Massena Rescue First Assistant Chief Brenton LaGrow, the money for the Massena facility will go toward an air circulation system to remove harmful vehicle exhaust from the fire station when vehicles are pulling out or returning.

“The safety benefits are immense for this kind of thing,” said LaGrow. “Instead of having our members breathing in these fumes, the dangerous toxins are trapped and removed. This is important for us to meet our goal of a safe workplace for the volunteers and paid staff that work here. We appreciate the help we got from everyone involved,” he said.

LaGrow added that this upgrade will also make the building safer for members of the community who participate in classes at the facility.