By Jason Cohen

The Roxbury Fire Department received a major financial boost from the federal government earlier this summer, when it was awarded nearly $75,000 for a diesel exhaust extraction system.

According to Roxbury Battalion Chief 1 Kyle Hoffman, the department was a recipient of assistance to firefighters’ grant, which will help purchase an exhaust system for the fire truck.

The chief said the department applied for the grant last year and it was notified about a month and a half ago. All three firehouses in Roxbury will now have diesel exhaust extraction systems.

Hoffman, who has been with the department for nearly two years, explained that this will not only help the firefighters, but the community at large. Fire trucks use diesel engines, which give off toxic hazardous gases that can cause cancer and significant health risks.