The Mystic Connecticut fireboat Joseph B. Herman II was paid for with funds from the Port Security Grant Program, a special fund to combat terrorism.[1] The fireboat cost $700,000. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, the US Federal government began issuing generous grants to regional police, fire and other emergency handling agencies, to pay for infrastructure that could be used to combat a terrorist attack.[2]
The vessel was delivered as the Marine 1 in July 2012.[1] In September 2012, once crews had been trained, the fire department renamed the vessel the Joseph B. Herman II. The vessel's namesake had been a chief of the Mystic Fire Department in the 1960s and 70s.
The vessel has modern navigation equipment, and modern equipment for search and rescue, and to support scuba divers. The vessel is 32 feet long. She is powered by a pair 425 horsepower (317 kW) diesel engine. She is propelled by water jets, which make it easier to maneuver in shallow water. Her pumps can project 2,000 gallons per minute through her three water cannons.
See also
References
- 1 2
Greg Smith (2014-09-21). "After Sept. 11, port security a regional priority". Washington Times. New London, Connecticut. Archived from the original on 2014-09-22. Retrieved 2014-10-23.
The money obtained through the grants has paid for equipment ranging from surveillance cameras and fences at State Pier in New London to patrol boats for police and fire departments, such as a $700,000 state-of-the-art firefighting boat at the Mystic Fire Department.
- ↑
Shirwell Bree (2012-07-27). "Mystic Fire Department Receives New Fireboat: The new fireboat replaces a smaller 40 plus year-old boat that the department acquired second hand". Groton Patch. Retrieved 2014-10-23.
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.