It was Christmas in July for the . On Thursday, the department received its new fireboat, Marine 1.
The 32-foot boat replaces a smaller 40-plus-year-old boat that the department acquired second hand and used for more than 20 years. Funding for the fireboat came from the national Port Security Grant Program. Deputy Chief Tony Manfredi wrote the grant application.
While, the Mystic Fire Department owns and operates the vessel it will be also used for regional emergency responses in the greater Mystic area, Eastern Long Island and Block Island Sounds.
The fireboat supports dive operations, search and rescue operations using an infrared camera, can be used for shipboard and waterfront firefighting and can deliver water hose lines to fire apparatus on shore in areas with no fire hydrants.
“Twelve department members have been trained as Captains with 100-ton USCG ratings and have received specialized Search and Rescue training delivered by USCG Station New London,” Mystic Fire Department Chief Frank Hilbert said. “Marine 1 can support a crew of six and is powered by two 425 horsepower diesel engines with water jet drives.”
The fireboat is not yet in service as the fire department is waiting for operational training to be completed and the fireboat to be outfitted with additional equipment.
The Mystic Fire Department is planning an official commissioning at a yet to be determined date.
