U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills, announced Wednesday that the Pelham Fire Department is the recipient of a $35,214 federal fire grant.

The grant was awarded through the Assistance to Firefighters program, and will be used to purchase a vehicle exhaust system. The system will act as a filtering unit by limiting the amount of black smoke released from fire trucks.

Pelham Fire Chief Danny Endress said the system will ensure firefighters’ safety.

“We are very thankful that these grants are out there and fortunate to be awarded among all those that have applied,” Endress said. “(The vehicle exhaust system) was eligible under the grant and may not have been purchased without it.”