Fire Chief Paul Bradley said the bulk of the grant would be used to pay for physical examinations for all fire department personnel, which numbers nearly 200.

Some of the funds also will be used to buy exercise equipment that will be placed at fire stations and at the department's training facility.

Before the city began the renovation, there were electrical problems that caused fires in the walls and roof leaks.

The station held an open house showing the completed renovation to the public and city officials.

While the new single-story station lacks a fire pole for firefighters to descend quickly from a top floor, almost every feature of the building can be run via information technology components.

The large building has a secure living and office area for firefighter-paramedics on one side of the building.

It includes a fitness area to help the Fire Department’s personnel stay in shape to lift what Audette said was an average of 1,200 pounds of human weight per shift. Those working out can be viewed through a large window from the living room and kitchen area — another safety feature.