New fireboat cruising along Shoreline

10/01/2007

Mark Zaretsky , Register Staff

BRANFORD — Just because the fire department’s new boat is docked in Stony Creek, don’t expect it to be used only there, or even only in Branford, officials said. The $325,000 vessel, called "Marine 5," was purchased with a Homeland Security grant. It has capabilities matched in this area only by a fire boat in Milford, including an onboard water pump. It is likely to be used — if it’s ever needed — in neighboring Shoreline communities as well, Fire Chief Jack Ahern said.

The new boat is Branford’s second fireboat. It replaces an older model that formerly was docked in Stony Creek, and it now kept in the Branford River where several marinas are located, he said.

Fire Department, town and state officials christened the boat in a ceremony last month at the Stony Creek Dock, although it was in service for a few weeks before that, Ahern said.

Marine 5 is a 30-foot Derecktor "Cat Hull" with twin 275-horsepower Mercury Verado engines. It’s equipped with a Darley Fire Pump that can pump 1,250 gallons of water per minute, Ahern said.

In addition to carrying all the necessary firefighting gear, tools and medical equipment, it has its own generator, which provides power to the enclosed cabin and its controls.

"As a Shoreline community, we are very mindful that we need to be prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies on the water as well as on the land," said Fire Commission Chairman Bob Massey. "Marine 5 will give us the tool necessary to do just that."

First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris called the fireboat "state of the art" and said it can "handle any water emergency that may arise while ensuring the safety and comfort of its crew.

"In addition, I am thankful to all of those who worked to secure the Homeland Security grant and the generous contribution of the Adams family for the installation of the navigational system to offset the cost for this vessel for the taxpayers of Branford," Morris said.

Mark Zaretsky can be reached at mzaretsky@nhregister.com or 789-5722.